Lewin wins at Oulton Park
Rupert Lewin claimed his first win of the season in the Michelin Porsche Open Series in a dramatic race at Oulton Park on Saturday (14 May). When Peter Cook and Richard Chamberlain went out on the opening lap, Lewin swept to victory while racing newcomer Mark Stephenson claimed a memorable class two victory as other class wins fell to Mike Johnson and Alex Eacock.QualifyingChamberlain planted his 935 on pole, but only by four-tenths of a second as Cook rejoined the series in his 911GT2. "It's going to be a good race," promised Chamberlain, knowing that Cook would be very tough to beat at his home track. In fact, having set his lap time, Chamberlain sat in the pits until he saw Cook getting very close later in the qualifying session and jumped back into the car to try and go faster. But, just as Chamberlain left the pits, the session was red flagged a couple of minutes early after Mark Harris went off into the Old Hall tyre wall in his 944.
Lewin was third fastest, but hampered by the lack of a clear lap in his 996GT2R, while Paul Howells was fourth fastest in his 993GT2R.
Stephenson made a fine race debut in his ex-Rod Carman 911GT3 Cup car to head class two, but by only a fraction of a second from Simon Mifsud's similar car. Mike Johnson, ahead of only his second race, topped class three in his 3.6-litre 911SC, while Eacock headed the four-strong class four, which then lost Harris as a result of his accident.Race The battle between Chamberlain and Cook started off the line as Cook just won the sprint into Old Hall. But it all went wrong as they disputed the lead into Knickerbrook further round the opening lap. The cars touched, both spun and were out of the race to the disappointment of everyone. Afterwards, independently, both drivers said: "It was just one of those things." It was certainly a case of two hard-charging racers going for the lead.
Having steered through the drama, Lewin found himself with a clear lead, which he was able to stretch to 45s by the end of 11 laps. "I'm delighted to have won it, but very sorry to have lost two main competitors on the first lap," said Lewin. Howells was a solitary second, secure in the place once he saw the stricken cars of Chamberlain and Cook at Knickerbrook.
With the top class blown apart, the big interest now lay in a fine battle for second as three 911 GT3 Cup cars enjoyed a great tussle. Early on, Mifsud made the running with Mark Allbutt chasing and Stephenson making up ground after a slow start. By mid-race, the three cars were nose-to-tail, with Stephenson moving ahead of Allbutt to take second. Two laps later, Stephenson edged ahead of Mifsud and that was how is stayed to the line – just! Out of Lodge for the final time, Mifsud mounted another challenge and the cars were virtually side by side over the line, with Stephenson getting the nod by 15 hundredths of a second. "I'm really pleased; I didn’t expect that," said Stephenson after an amazing race debut.
The contest for class three also delivered a good battle as Wayne Jackson (944 Turbo) was reeled in and passed by Johnson. This was only Johnson's second race, but his speed from the PCGB Speed Championship was always apparent. Third place in class three was the subject of another great contest as Marcus Carniel (911SC) headed John Allen (993 Supercup), Mark Lillington (968CS) and Anthony Oliver (964RS) home, with just over two seconds covering four cars at the flag.Finally, Eacock mastered class four as Charles Winterhalder (944) held off Frank Cortes (944) for the runner-up position.Results – 11 laps: 1 Rupert Lewin (996 GT2R) 19m42.626s (90.14mph); 2 Paul Howells (993 GT2) +45.379s; 3 Mark Stephenson (911 GT3 Cup); 4 Simon Mifsud (911 GT3 Cup); 5 Mark Albutt (911 GT3 Cup); 6 Mike Johnson (911SC); 7 Wayne Jackson (944 Turbo); 8 Marcus Carniel (911SC); 9 John Allen (993 Supercup); 10 Mark Lillington (968CS). Class winners: Lewin; Stephenson; Johnson; Alex Eacock (944). Fastest lap: Lewin 1m46.361s (91.11mph).The next races in the series are at Spa-Francorchamps on 4/5 June.
