It,s the Law !!!

trouble ahead ??

With the start of the season approaching, I thought it would be interesting to compare the costs of keeping these trucks on the road. Not only does it cost thousands to buy, or lease, or rent the trucks and trailers, each country requires that the truck and trailer meets certain safety requirements. This means that they must be taken to a certified workshop where safety checks and routine maintenance take place.

These trucks and trailers are as important to the teams and the fans as the cars and equipment they carry. To buy or lease the tractor unit(that's the front part) costs each team a size able part of their yearly racing budget. Add to that the cost of custom paintwork and graphics and watch your money disappear !! With the trailer units costing upwards of £150000, depending on the fixtures and fittings inside them. You can see why not everyone can afford brand new equipment. Bear that in mind, next time you walk through a race paddock and pass comment about the condition of the trucks and trailers on show. Believe me when I say that every team would like to have the shiniest, most stunning trucks, parked behind their garage. But in the real world, this is not always possible and its down to the truckies to try to make them as pleasing to the eye as possible. We do not have the budgets and workforce of our Formula 1 counterparts. So we try as hard as time and money allow to ensure that teams, promoters and you the fans, can walk between them and admire them. And don't forget, that as you walk around the paddock, try not to rub your bags, umbrellas and anything else that will scratch and mark our paintwork or leave your empty drinks cans,beer glasses, or coffee cups on the nearest available part of the truck. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

And so to a list of all things relating to the LAW. Documentation, chassis, steering,  brakes, electrical, and suspension must all be checked to ensure safe operation. The following is intended as a rough guide.

In the UK, trucks must pay an annual tax to use them on the road. Most race trucks are classed for private use, costing £165 per year. Safety inspections are also needed and as the trucks and trailers are not used on a daily basis and do not incur high mileage, we can get away with an inspection every 13 weeks.

In Hungary you need to pay a one time, weight tax – but not for the main government, just for the local government. The fee is variable, it depends on the local government, more or less £5900. Every year the truck and trailers need a technical inspection.. For the truck it is £108 and for the trailer is £44.Yearly road tax is £688.

 In Italy you must have the truck and trailer inspected every year.£150. Government tax must then be paid for the truck and trailer, yearly. £680 and £320.

In Germany, truck and trailer have a twice yearly inspection called TUV. Government road tax costs approximately £650.

In Spain, the truck and trailer have to be checked and inspected, twice a year and pay a yearly tax of £275.

Obviously, the European Union are not trying to make every country do the same. YET !!!