Cheshire Cheers
Historically a non-championship F1 meeting, the Oulton Park Gold Cup is now a celebratory festival
The Oulton Park Gold Cup is one of the Cheshire circuit’s headline events, over the August 25-27 bank holiday. Once a coveted non-championship F1 race, the Cup is now presented to a winner of one of the key races in a packed meeting of historic competition.
Oulton Park spoils both racers and spectators, providing a challenge that has changed relatively little from the circuit’s original layout. Spectators have a wide range of vantage points to choose from and it’s no wonder that the venue is so popular.
Catch the Historic Formula Ford Championship for FF1600 cars raced before 1972. It’s a thriving category and one that virtually guarantees gripping racing, brimming with precision driving and captivating lead battles.
Tin-tops get a healthy representation here too, with Ford Mustangs, Mini Coopers, Hillman Imps and Lotus Cortinas sparring for Historic Touring Car supremacy. Britain’s own incredible racing pedigree is acknowledged in the ’70s and Historic Road Sports races – a great chance to see TVRs pitted against Lotuses and Ginettas around the circuit’s natural contours.
In a year packed with anniversaries, this event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Chevron B8 and B6. Late marque founder Derek Bennett’s successful sports cars will have a race all their own – a unique event that captures the best of British ingenuity on a track where Bennett used to do much of his development work.
The more modern Super Touring cars usually attract a decent grid at Oulton Park and bring back memories of one of the BTCC’s finest eras, while Ford Capris battle BMWs in the HTCC Touring Legends race and E-types abound in Sunday’s 40-minute Jaguar Classic Challenge.
Day tickets start from £10, while the weekend will set you back just £30 with grandstands and camping also available.
HOW TO GET THERE
Oulton Park is next to the village of Little Budworth, near Chester. Access it from the A54 or A49. From the north, take M6 J19 then the A556 towards Chester and follow the signs. From the south, leave the M6 at J18 and follow the A54.
ALSO GOING ON
South of Oulton Park is the Hack Green secret nuclear bunker. For more than 50 years, this would have been the centre of regional government in the event of nuclear war. It’s open to the public all week, from 10am to 5pm until November.
DON’T MISS
The area overlooking Cascades gives you a brilliant vantage point over the circuit, or choose Hill Top for an equally broad view. Catch as much of the event as possible and follow it up with a trip to the Red Lion Inn, in Little Budworth.