Apollo truck racer wants to push on with podium in sight

SL Apollo Tyres Trucksport’s Sascha Lenz says the team is moving in the right direction ahead of first visit to new Poznan, Poland stage

With the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship’s 2023 season two meetings and eight races old, the purple-liveried SL Apollo Tyres Trucksport is competing at the top end of the driver’s championship. German 35-year-old driver Sascha Lenz says that the truck is ready to compete following mechanical challenges in pre-season practice, having stepped up the pace in the season to sit in fourth position in the driver standings. The championship has visited the Autodromo Misano World Circuit in Italy and the Slovakia Ring so far, with the new Polish round at Poznan coming up on 24-25 June. Lenz pronounced himself and the team “satisfied” with the team’s improvements in the new race truck: “My initial feeling after the testing was that we were far from where we wanted to be in terms of set-up. However, we have proved that we are going in the right direction.”

After decent points hauls in the first two meetings put him in fourth place overall, Lenz said he is optimistic for more as the ETRC season progresses: “Although we had some minor issues, I remain hopeful that these concerns have been addressed and rectified. As with any motorsport endeavour, there is always an element of uncertainty, but I am optimistic that the changes and modifications will prove to be effective and put us on the right track.”

Lenz said the Polish round would offer “an entirely new challenge for all drivers. None of us have prior experience on this track, adding an air of intrigue and unpredictability to the race. Having tested the circuit on a racing simulator, it’s a beautiful track. With no established setup for the race truck due to its novelty, the event promises an exciting and riveting competition for all involved.”

His expectations for the season remain high: “I am focused on finishing consistently in the points and striving for top-three positions.

“Utilising a deep understanding of my own capabilities, as well as my determination to learn and adapt to the new truck, I look forward to forging a successful partnership between man and machine. The ultimate goal is to make this collaboration a winning formula that brings satisfaction and joy to the team and its partners.”

Lenz adds that the new partnership with Apollo Tyres “has brought immense happiness to me and the team. The initial contacts and subsequent meetings with the Apollo team have been nothing but pleasant and promising. There is a sense of synergy and shared vision between us all, which fills me with pride. The partnership signifies a significant step forward in my own career, one that I cherish.”

(Photo: Apollo Tyres)

Accessibility makes truck racing ‘special’

Lenz says the popularity of truck racing with fans is down to its “unique” accessibility, while offering something a bit different to other motorsport codes. “Truck racing holds a special allure for drivers and fans alike. The sheer size and speed of these magnificent trucks create a spectacle that is hard to replicate. Unlike other forms of motorsport, such as bike or car racing, truck racing offers an open paddock where fans can freely approach and interact with the drivers. This unique accessibility fosters a strong sense of community among truck racing enthusiasts, making it a truly special and popular sport.”

Lenz has a history of competing well against highly-rated opponents, counting a 2016 race at Le Mans as his favourite memory in motorsport, having taken on “the challenge of building my own chassis.” He says that while “expectations were high for renowned driver Jochen Hahn – who always finished at the top with his truck set-up,” his team “managed to set a new track record with the self-built entry. This accomplishment left an indelible mark on my racing career and provided me with a remarkable experience. I believe that each race has its own unique charm and creates lasting memories that contribute to the tapestry of my journey.” The ETRC will visit the Le Mans Bugatti circuit in the penultimate round of the championship in September.