FOR BRITAIN'S TOP RACE SERIESThere are now less than two weeks to go before Britain’s premier motor racing series – the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – headlines at the Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire on 24 June. It is the only time in 2007 that the BTCC will appear in the North-West making it a must-see event for enthusiasts from across the region.
Oulton is annually one of the best-attended fixtures on the BTCC calendar, with crowds of more than 40,000 previously recorded. The circuit’s scenic parkland setting, undulating lay-out, excellent viewing areas and good spectator facilities make it a huge hit with drivers and fans alike. Its location, easily accessible via the M62 and M6 motorways, also means it boasts a loyal fanbase across the North-West, Midlands and Wales.
And the title race could hardly be closer as Oulton gears up for its big BTCC race day – Jason Plato leads the championship but by the drastically reduced margin of just two points from top Italian driver Fabrizio Giovanardi. Reigning champion Matt Neal is third and also very much still in the hunt. And with drivers in a wide variety of cars from Alfa Romeo, BMW, Honda, SEAT and Vauxhall having led races so far this season, Oulton’s rounds are expected to prove ultra-competitive.
Local favourites to Oulton Jason Hughes (Preston) and Chris Stockton (Malpas) will also be looking to shine after scoring points in the most recent rounds at the Croft circuit in North Yorskhire. Both drivers race for their own teams: Hughes’ Kartworld MG runs uniquely on bio-ethanol fuel; Stockton, married to leading British three-day eventer Polly Stockton, will be in action racing his BTC team’s Lexus.
The track action at Oulton on 24 June begins at midday with the first of three BTCC rounds. However, the public is advised to get there early for the popular Pit Lane Walkabout session when the crowds are invited into the pit lane to meet the drivers for autographs and giveaways. In addition there will be another six races on the Sunday bill, featuring the supporting BMW, Porsche, SEAT and Renault championships.
Race day adult ticket prices are still just £21 if purchased online at http://www.oultonpark.co.uk/ or £22 if bought by calling 0870 950 9000 before midday on Tuesday 19 June. Admission for children aged 12 and under is FREE, making this a great day of entertainment for the family.
