プレスリリース - Worst Race in Truck Series History Sees 38 Collisions
Worst Race in Truck Series History Sees 38 Collisions
Truck Series drivers are furious after one of the ugliest races in series history took place at Kansas on Sunday. A full race recap is available here:
https://www.myracingcareer.com/en/report/38-2145/
Drivers took to the microphones after the race slamming track officials for "undriveable track conditions." Only 3 drivers finished on the lead lap after an astonishing 38 on-track collisions resulting in 7 total DNF's, including 1 mechanical failure. In addition to the damage-inducing incidents, analysts documented at least 35 race-impacting driver errors including 6 from the race's top-3 finishers, and a race-ending crash for Season 37's overall series runner-up Victoria Kennedy.
A neutral spokesperson for the drivers made a statement before drivers offered their own perspectives.
These mistakes aren't coming from back-markers. Normally reliable drivers like former Season 38 Series Leader Bela Villanyi, Season 37-38 race winners Snicker Doodle and Victoria Kennedy, as well as highly rated drivers like Sleepy Tripp, Max Wertel, and Imbui Jones had collisions. Even the race winner, Craig Jennings came off the track at least once.
If we can't rely on track officials to deliver a track that seasoned veterans with over 1,000 MRC Rating Points can drive on, how can we expect younger drivers to want to participate in this or any introductory series? This track was not in acceptable condition for this level of competition and the track officials should be ashamed of their efforts to prepare for this race.
73 documented race-impacting errors in 150 green flag laps means that 48% of green flag laps saw problems. There is no way a rate that high can be attributed to poor driving. Many of the drivers impacted by these issues are championship contenders even further pushing the blame to conditions.
Several drivers made off-the record comments following up the statement from the drivers' rep. However, Seven Racing's Snicker Doodle blasted officials on the record stating "I don't think I had that much contact in the entirety of last season. To have that many mistakes and that much contact in one race isn't just 'having a bad day,' it's a bad track. The track was in terrible shape for qualifying, and they did nothing to fix it for the race today. If they can't get this right, I suppose our series officials should consider taking it off the schedule."
Only 3 drivers finished the race without a documented race-impacting error. Kansas track officials have not responded to requests for comment about the condition of the track for the race.