E-types to top the bill at Oulton Park

E-types to top the bill at Oulton Park

THE OULTON PARK GOLD CUP WAS FIRST HELD IN 1954 as a non-championship Formula 1 race when it was won by Stirling Moss aboard a Maserati 250F. Since then the race has been held for Formula 2 machines, British Touring Cars, Formula 3 racers and, of course, historic cars.

Nowadays it is classed as ‘the north west’s premier historic car event’ and on August 28/29 Oulton Park will be packed with historic F2, F3 and Grand Prix cars, as well as Formula 5000 racers and classic touring cars.

Over 400 vehicles will be on track over the two days and the highlight event this year is the Jaguar E-type Challenge, celebrating the model’s 50th anniversary. The first round of this series was held at the Brands Hatch Superprix on July 1-3 (above) and was oversubscribed. Graeme Dodd led the field of 34 cars home after 15 laps, finishing two seconds ahead of Jon Minshaw. Minshaw who put his E-type on pole and took fastest lap of the race will no doubt be keen on taking the top step of the podium at Oulton Park.

The Historic Touring Car Championship will also be a crowd favourite. The championship caters for saloon cars that were in production before 1966 and are allowed to be developed in line with period modifications. Mini Coopers go head-to-head with Ford Mustangs, while Ford Anglias, Lotus Cortinas and Ford Falcons also race. It always provides some spectacular action, especially at Oulton Park.

Standard tickets start at £17 and can be bought at www.oultonpark.co.uk or bycalling0843 4539000.