Most people think of semi trucks as machines built for moving freight, not for competing on a race track. In England, however, there is a motorsport dedicated to putting these heavy-duty rigs to the test in a way most drivers have never seen. It is called Convoy in the Park, part of the British Truck Racing Championship, and this year’s event takes place August 9–10 during its annual summer showcase.

This is not a parade or a simple exhibition. It is real competition with purpose-built racing rigs, experienced drivers, and close battles for position. The trucks are capable of hitting speeds over 100 miles per hour while weighing more than five tons. For anyone who spends their life around trucks, it is an impressive example of how far performance and engineering can be pushed.

Convoy in the Park is also a celebration of trucking culture in the United Kingdom. For drivers in the United States, it offers an interesting look at how another part of the trucking world takes pride in its machines and its people.

How Truck Racing Started in the UK

Truck racing in Britain began in the 1980s as a niche motorsport. In the early years, competitors would take modified working trucks onto the track to see how they performed at speed. The racing was exciting, but safety rules were less strict than they are today. As interest grew, organizers developed specific regulations to keep the competition fair and safe.

Over time, the sport developed into the British Truck Racing Championship, a professional series with multiple rounds at circuits across the country. Donington Park became one of the key venues because of its long straights and challenging corners. The location is also well known in the wider motorsport world, having hosted everything from Formula One to motorcycle racing.

Convoy in the Park was created as a way to bring the racing and the trucking community together. It combines championship-level racing with a large-scale trucking festival, drawing fans, drivers, and show trucks from all over the UK.

The Setting: Donington Park

Donington Park is located in Leicestershire, England, and has been a fixture in motorsport for decades. Its layout is well suited for truck racing because it offers both high-speed sections and technical turns. These features give drivers plenty of opportunities to pass, but they also test the handling and braking capabilities of these large machines.

During Convoy in the Park, the track becomes the center of attention for the weekend. The trucks take multiple runs throughout the event, and each race is competitive from start to finish. While the speeds are high, the racing is also about precision. Drivers must manage their braking carefully, choose their racing lines wisely, and avoid contact that could take them out of contention.

The surrounding paddock area and infield are also full of activity, giving the event a festival-like atmosphere. But for many attendees, the main draw remains the sight of these heavy rigs running lap after lap in tight formation.

What Makes These Trucks Different

Although the racing trucks may resemble standard European tractor units at a glance, they are heavily modified for performance. The average racing truck in the British Truck Racing Championship produces over 1,000 horsepower. Many have upgraded turbochargers, race-tuned suspension, and specially designed brakes that can handle repeated high-speed stops.

Safety is a major priority. Each truck is equipped with a roll cage, fire suppression systems, and racing harnesses for the driver. Tires are purpose-built for racing, providing better grip than standard commercial truck tires. The interiors are stripped of non-essential weight, but the overall build still meets the strict minimum weight requirements for the series.

The performance figures are impressive. These five-tonne trucks can reach 100 miles per hour quickly, and their acceleration can surprise anyone who thinks of trucks as slow-moving. The handling is sharper than a working truck, but the drivers still have to respect the size and weight of the machine.

The Show Truck Displays

Convoy in the Park is not just about racing. The event also attracts up to a thousand show trucks from across the UK and Europe. These are working or retired trucks that have been customized and maintained to the highest standards.

Show trucks at the event feature elaborate paintwork, polished chrome, and carefully detailed interiors. Some are themed with artwork, while others represent the heritage of the companies or families that own them. These trucks often compete for show awards, and the level of presentation is extremely high.

For drivers who take pride in the appearance of their rigs, the show truck display is a highlight. It is a chance to see how other drivers around the world approach customization and presentation. In this way, Convoy in the Park has a lot in common with truck shows in the United States, even if the styles and vehicles are different.

The Culture Around the Event

While racing is the main attraction, Convoy in the Park is also a celebration of trucking. The weekend combines competitive truck racing with show truck displays, live entertainment, and vendor exhibits. It brings together racers, working drivers, and enthusiasts in a setting that is competitive on the track but friendly and welcoming off it.

For American drivers, it shows that trucking pride is a universal language. The same commitment to well-kept equipment, respect for the craft, and community spirit thrives here just as it does in the United States.

A Shared Passion Across Borders

Convoy in the Park may be unique to the UK, but the enthusiasm it represents is universal. In the United States, there are truck pulls, show truck competitions, and other events that bring the community together. The format is different, but the purpose is the same: to celebrate the machines and the people who keep freight moving.

For Pride Transport drivers, learning about events like Convoy in the Park is a reminder that trucking culture connects people around the world. Whether it is on the open road or on a race circuit, the dedication to doing the job well and taking care of your equipment is the same.

Drive With Pride

At Pride Transport, we share the same passion for trucks and the people who drive them. Convoy in the Park reflects the pride, professionalism, and attention to detail that we value in our own drivers. If you are committed to your craft and want to drive for a company that respects your skill, we would like to hear from you.

Apply to drive with Pride Transport and join a team that takes pride in every mile.