TRUCK racing could be making a comeback in the south.

And if it does, a Hampshire driver will be at the front of the field.

Dave Ball, driver and team owner from Winchester-based DB Truck Racing Team, only completed his first full season in the British Truck Racing Association (BTRA) Championship when the final flag came down on the 2006 campaign earlier this month.

But the 27-year-old is already itching for the start of the new campaign next April.

After ending the season with four consecutive wins, and a stackload of silverware under his arm from the sport he took up only 18 months ago, Ball's eagerness is little surprise.

And as well as building on the third place finish he secured in the championship's 12-team second tier, Class B, last season, Ball also hopes he can help increase the popularity of truck racing in the south.

He said: "I am the only person down here who takes part in truck racing. Most people involved are from the Midlands or up north. Many people don't even realise that truck racing is still going on.

"I have been involved in it a year and a half now and it is starting to pick up. It is getting more coverage and really starting to take off. What I am doing will help raise the profile of truck racing in the south and hopefully show people it is do-able."

For full story see today's Daily Echo.