Racing trucks attract large crowds of enthusiasts

Orechová Potôň, April 28, 2025 - The FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC) is a premier European motorsport series. It was established back in 1985 and has become a major event on every racing circuit’s calendar. It attracts fans thanks to the exceptional performance of the machines and numerous weekend races. Coming soon again to Slovakia as the OMV MaxxMotion Goodyear FIA ETRC TRUCK RACE OF SLOVAKIA (June 6–8, 2025).

The FIA ETRC was welcomed to Slovakia for the first time back in 2017. This year marks the seventh return of the trucks to the SLOVAKIA RING. Over time, the event has become one of the most significant and most visited motorsport events of the year. After all, it features powerful machines and drivers who hold nothing back during four intense weekend races.

This year’s program will be enhanced by numerous support series and the 90’s SUPER FEST concert featuring hits from the 1990s (on Saturday evening, June 7).

Key features of the ETRC:

● Vehicles:
The racing trucks are based on commercial models but are extensively modified for competitive purposes. They weigh around 5 tons and have a power output of roughly 1,000 horsepower.

● Performance:
Despite their size, these trucks can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds. For safety reasons, their maximum speed is limited to 160 km/h.

● Racing:
Each race weekend includes two qualifying sessions and four races—two on Saturday and two on Sunday. This provides fans with a full dose of action and entertainment. Spectators can expect intense battles for the title and plenty of adrenaline.

2025 Calendar:

The 2025 FIA ETRC season promises thrilling races across various European circuits. The schedule includes:

Misano, Italy: May 17–18, 2025
Lausitzring, Germany: May 24–25, 2025
Slovakia Ring, Slovakia: June 7–8, 2025
Nürburgring, Germany: July 12–13, 2025
Most, Czech Republic: August 30–31, 2025
Zolder, Belgium: September 13–14, 2025
Le Mans Bugatti, France: September 20–21, 2025
Jarama, Spain: October 4–5, 2025

Friday:

Administrative and technical checks: Teams and drivers complete registration and undergo technical inspections to ensure compliance with strict FIA regulations.
Free practice: Drivers take their first laps of the circuit, refresh their knowledge of the track, and fine-tune vehicle settings for the weekend.
Drivers' briefing: All drivers and team representatives attend a mandatory briefing with race management to review important information, safety protocols, and specific weekend instructions.

Saturday:

Qualifying: Determines the starting grid for Race 1 and Race 3.

In 2024, a new three-phase qualifying format was introduced:
- Q1 (15 minutes): All trucks participate; positions 13 and lower are set.
- Q2 (10 minutes): The top 12 from Q1 compete for grid positions 7–12.
- Q3 (5 minutes): The fastest 6 from Q2 battle in a Super Pole shootout for the top 6 spots.
Race 1: The first championship race of the weekend.
Race 2: The grid is determined by Race 1 results, with the top 8 starting in reverse order—often leading to thrilling battles as top drivers fight their way forward.
Support races and entertainment:
The weekend includes other motorsport series and various fan activities. This year features GT Endurance (GT3 cars), TCR Endurance (touring cars), and Twingo and Clio Cups. Plus, the 90’s SUPER FEST concert on Saturday evening.
Driver autograph sessions: A chance for fans to meet their favorite drivers in person.

Sunday:

Qualifying: Same format as Saturday to determine the grids for Race 3 and Race 4.
- Q1 (15 minutes): Sets positions from 13th onward.
- Q2 (10 minutes): Sets grid positions 7–12.
- Q3 (5 minutes): Decides the top 6 grid positions.
Race 3: The third championship race of the weekend.
Race 4: Grid based on Race 3 results, again with a reversed top 8.
Support races and entertainment: The action continues with more racing and fan-focused activities.
Podium ceremonies: Celebrations for the top drivers in each race.

For the OMV MaxxMotion Goodyear FIA ETRC TRUCK RACE OF SLOVAKIA, the detailed schedule will be available soon on the SLOVAKIA RING website.

Categories:

Drivers are classified into Titan and Chrome categories, with separate winners declared for each in both individual races and the overall championship.

TITAN Drivers:

All FIA ETRC champions from the past 10 years
All drivers who finished in the top 7 of the 2024 overall standings
All drivers who qualified for Q3 more than twice in the 2024 season
The 2024 Chrome category champion
All drivers who meet the FIA’s Platinum or Gold categorization criteria
Drivers with outstanding performance and results even if they don’t fit the above criteria

Titan drivers may not compete in the Chrome category.

CHROME Drivers:

All drivers not eligible for the Titan category

Technical Specifications of FIA ETRC Trucks:

Minimum weight: 5.3 tons
Engine:
- Max displacement: 13,000 cm³
- Power: Over 1,100 horsepower and torque above 5,000 Nm
Speed limitation: Electronically capped at 160 km/h for safety
Transmission: Most trucks use manual 16-speed gearboxes
Brakes: High-performance water-cooled systems are essential to slow down these heavy and fast vehicles safely
Suspension: Typically uses leaf springs front and rear, with advanced dampers
Fuel: Since 2021, the FIA ETRC has been the first motorsport series to run on 100% sustainable fuel, reducing carbon emissions
Aerodynamics: While not sleek by appearance, teams optimize airflow within regulatory limits
Tires: Custom-designed Goodyear tires built to handle the weight, speed, and extreme racing conditions

These specifications ensure both safety and balanced competition. Despite their speed cap, truck races remain highly entertaining due to their sheer size, maneuverability, and wheel-to-wheel battles.

OMV MaxxMotion Goodyear FIA ETRC TRUCK RACE OF SLOVAKIA takes place June 6–8 at the SLOVAKIA RING, featuring a rich program for motorsport fans, concerts, and fun for the whole family. The entire venue will be open to visitors, with attractions and ticket information available on www.slovakiaring.sk.