OULTON PARK GOES VW CRAZY AMIDST A ONE-DAY THRASH
Another fast and furious pair of National Formula Ford races are set to be in store at Oulton – Photo: Rachel Bourne
Oulton Park receives a second visit from the BRSCC as our North Western Centre springs into action once more. On this occasion, our one day meeting is nestled nicely in amongst the festivities of the VW Budburg event, a two-day celebration of all this Volkswagen. With something for everyone on the racing front for Saturday, the crowds are sure to be kept happy.
First of all, keeping in line with the VW theme we have the sensational FunCup Championship, a club level endurance series dedicated to giving drivers as much competitive track time as possible for their money. The cars are single seater chassis coupled to a 130bhp VW/Audi engine and either a sequential or paddle shift gearbox, while the body in many ways does resemble the silhouette of a VW Beetle. This season has seen a record number of teams registering with 32 car turning out for the Silverstone season opener last month. Team Trooper Iron Maiden (also known as PW Racing) took the win from Honeywell and Track Torque 2 Rent Dominos, but don’t count out the likes of champion teams such as Racelogic and JPR Uvio. Oulton Park always provides a thrilling race for this championship, with 4 hours of flat-out competition ahead.
If you’re a single seater fan, however, we’ve got you covered too. The Britcover National Formula Ford 1600 Championship with Avon Tyres blasted into life at Brands Hatch for their opening rounds with 3 stunning 15 minute encounters. Luke Williams and Luke Cooper were victorious that weekend, however names such as Neil MacLennan, James Roe Jr, and Stephen Daly all pressed them hard. In addition, former British F4 driver Ross Martin returns to better the results he achieved in the Northern Championship back in March and will be formidable. This season, the National Championship is split into 2 categories – a Pro Class, for the fastest drivers and those aiming for the Mazda Road To Indy Scholarship Shootout prize, and a Clubman class with both Pre ’90 and Post ’89 cars catered for in sub-classes for rookies or those who consider themselves a racing enthusiast. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Formula Ford is at its healthiest in recent years and today’s pair of races will definitely back that up!
We’ve got something to cater to the tin-top fans too, though! First up, the very popular and competitive Nankang Tyre BMW Compact Cup has quickly gained a reputation for fast-paced, high intensity action for surprisingly less than you may think. Now into its second season with the BRSCC and the first under the Club’s ownership, it’s only set to get bigger and better and this season goes on. Reigning champion James “Jiggy” Gornall was the man to beat in both races at Silverstone, taking the top step both times with former Scottish champion Steven Dailly harrying him all the way. Ian Jones will also be a threat here along with Gordon Macmillan, James Nutbrown, Giles Dawson and Sam Carrington Yates to throw a few more names into the mix.
Finally, there’s more spec racing fun to enjoy from the Electrovape.co.uk XR Challenge, one of the longest standing championships still running under the BRSCC. Catering mainly for Ford Fiesta XR2 and Escort XR3i models, the XR Challenge generally tends to run both here at Oulton Park and at Anglesey, with the occasional “away day” further south. Former champion Mark Robinson was on form here last time as the season got underway in March, winning both races ahead of the likes of Neil Waterworth and reigning XR2 and overall champion Greg Speight. Mike Blackburn was top Escort XR3i in the field and will hope to continue that form on this occasion.
All of Saturday’s races will really help add to the atmosphere of the event and both myself and the Club really hope that you enjoy the spectacle that all of our drivers will provide.
The weather won't be sunny, but at least it won't be wet. The entire day's action will take place under thick cloud cover and overcast conditions, but chances of rain aren't higher than 10%. Still, with the premise of staying dry, it should mean the drivers will be able to push hard all day. The full Met Office forecast can be found here – OULTON PARK WEATHER
Also, all of the relevant information for the weekend can be found on our website via the following page HERE.
Scott Woodwiss
