To add to what I already consider a crazy year for me and my commentary career, I've just acquired the role of series commentator on another championship for this year, with the exception of just two rounds due to clashes - the FIA European Truck Racing Championship!
The opportunity came about as another recommendation courtesy of David Addison, as he wasn't available, so as you can imagine I'm overwhelmed with gratitude by now! Either way, I've met the guys behind the production and the championship promoter and I can already tell we're going to get on like a house on fire - there's such a positive and excited vibe in the team that is so infectious, and I feel I could really fit in with that.
The championship itself is like no other - the trucks come from manufacturers all over such as MAN, IVECO and Scania to name a few. The engines are limited to 13 litres in size, producing around 1,200bhp and over 5,000Nm of torque! They'll do zero to 60mph in around 5 seconds, but can go from 20mph to 100mph in about the same time as a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, despite weighing over 5 tonnes! It's nuts!
The racing is just as great as well - drivers are known for using the bulk of these machines to treat them like touring cars - and getting away with it! Contact is inevitable but there's always great action, overtaking and close racing, which is what we all want isn't it?
Now the commentary itself is going to be done remotely, which on the surface seems like a shame, considering the fantastic circuits the series will visit - Hungaroring, Nurburgring, Le Mans (Bugatti), Most, Misano and more - but considering the added costs of COVID tests and the isolation period after flying home stopping me attending the following weekend's meeting, it's a dream come true. All the time and money I spent on improving my office setup at home will now truly pay for itself.
It's going to be another fantastic journey and I'm over the moon to have been recommended and accepted by everyone behind the scenes in the championship and the broadcasting side of things! We start at the Hungaroring in just over two weeks time on the 12th and 13th of June, so keep an eye on my social media channels for any links or broadcasts if you want to witness them for yourself!
All images used are Copyright © Richard Kienberger and the FIA European Truck Racing Championship
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