Tata Motors kicks off 2017 truck driver race training program

Tata Motors today announced the second edition of its truck driver race selection and training program [TRP 2.0].

Acting as a catalyst to induct drivers into the commercial vehicle profession, the T1 Racer Program will present shortlisted Indian truck drivers who get an opportunity to compete in season IV of the T1 Truck Racing Championship at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.

According to R T Wasan, vice-president (Commercial), Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, “With the truck racing, Tata Motors conceptualised the T1 Racer Program held last year for Indian truck drivers for the very first time. Designed with the idea of making the profession of trucking and truck driving aspirational, TRP will act as a catalyst to induct Indian drivers into the fast growing T1 family. TRP 2.0 has over two times the number of truck drivers participating for a race seat, over 2016. With an overwhelming response and a more robust training program, we are confident that the program will equip shortlisted drivers to excel for season IV of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship 2017.”

Four levels of training

Since race training has to be imparted to truck drivers who have had no previous exposure to track driving, the TRP training structure’s  course material has been designed to make it driver-friendly. The training program consists of four levels of training and elimination.

Level 1 - To impart elementary race theory and track driving lessons
Level 2 - Include a more intensive Prima-driving session
Level 3 - Involve rigorous physical and mental training sessions
Level 4 - Enable transition of a ‘road-driver’ to a ‘Prima-Racer’

Tata Motors is being partnered by some of the leading names in motor sports. They include Vicky Chandhok, who has been part of the T1 Truck Racing project from the start and has helped the company coordinate with multiple agencies to take the project to execution stage. There is also Steve Horne, organiser, BTRA (British Truck Racing Association). Horne is a celebrated race truck driver who has won the British truck racing championship twice. Currently one of the longest serving truck racing drivers, Steve has helped Tata Motors bring truck racing to India, in multiple operational aspects.