Huthwaite-based Taylors Trucksport Racing Team were overwhelmed to finish fifth in the Promoters Cup Championship at the end of their first season in the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, writes Paul Horton.

They collected two accolades at the season’s Awards Ceremony after their last weekend of racing at Circuito de Madrid Jarama.

Despite having some issues through the second part of the season, driver Mark Taylor (pictured below, centre) did a remarkable job to finish fifth in the Promoters Cup Championship, 12th overall in the Drivers’ Championship, and fifth in the Newall & Taylor Team standings.

During the championship there were 13 top-ten finishes.

Mark said: “What a season, it’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout, but has been fantastic.

“I have learnt a lot, making new friends and fans along the way.

“Issues since a crash in Most put us on a back foot of caution, but we seemed to have sorted them out fully for the final round.

“The team and I look forward to 2024 and move forward with all the experience gained.”

The team’s luck had been down since their big crash in the Czech Republic at the end of August, and a truck rebuild before the last three rounds.

They went to Spain in fourth position in the Promoters Cup, chasing a podium spot with only a nine-point difference to third place.

But Taylors Transport’s misfortune continued at the Spanish 3.8km circuit, when during testing the team found a serious shaking from the engine, which was changed.

Then, in the second free practice session, a spring snapped after bolts sheared, causing a steering issue.

In the first qualifying round the same issue occurred and the truck veered out of control at 100mph and hit barriers, halting the session.

Mark was not injured, but yet again the same problem happened after a great start to the restarted first race, which ruled him out of the second race on the first day.

The following day he drove cautiously in the third race of the weekend and finished 11th, fourth in the Promoters Cup, before gaining 13th spot in the final race of 2023.

PHOTOS: Andre Bartscher Photography