As we edge closer to Oulton Park on September 30th, there’s no better time to have a detailed look at the venue for the penultimate race meeting of the 2023 season.
Situated in the stunning Cheshire countryside, the outstanding Oulton Park will offer a thrilling challenge to all competitors. Blind crests, tight corners and undulating curves all add to what is a tricky, but rewarding, circuit. Over the past sixty years Oulton Park has earned a justified reputation for being one of the UK’s toughest circuits for both man and machine, however it’s a firm favourite for many in MSVT Racing’s paddocks and definitely not a race to be missed. Competitors on September 30th will find out why.
The lap begins with Old Hall Corner, a right-hander that’s important to get correct in order to give drivers as much momentum as possible for the subsequent Cascades. Heading down one of Oulton Park’s natural contours, Cascades is both quick and cambered. Carrying speed through Cascades and the following Island Bend is challenging, but important. Driver and car will need to be performing at their best for the quickest time possible.
Up next, competitors will have to master Cheshire’s answer to the Nürburgring Carousel – Shell Oils Corner. Shell Oils Corner is a fabulous, banked hairpin that will be taken at relative pace. Upon exiting the corner, drivers will have a short straight to catch their breath before having to contend with the first of two chicanes at Oulton Park. Britten’s is a challenging left-right with a steeped exit leading to a climbing straight. Once the throttle has been opened up, swift braking is needed to successfully navigate through Oulton Park’s second chicane – Hislop’s.
Continuing the rise uphill, Knickerbrook quickly succeeds Hislop’s. The right hander leads drivers into a sweeping section of track where they can open up the taps and stretch their engine's legs. It won't be until Druids Corner when competitors brake again and they will have the opportunity to utilize different lines to try and gain an advantage on rivals. A dash under Warwick Bridge follows and we approach the closing stages of the lap. One final turn through Lodge Corner and an immediate burst of acceleration up the rising Deer Leap will lead competitors back to the start/finish straight to complete a circulation of the tremendous Oulton Park International circuit.
Experience it for yourself by entering here.