Oulton Park 2023

What a great start to the season it was at Brands with a class win in the first race. The cylinder head had to be replaced before Oulton but the car was still superb.

With the sun out, qualifying was very close for class E with just 10ths between Pippa Cow, James Hughes and Rich.

 in the first race the close competition continued with Pippa getting the holeshot and leading the first lap before Rich took the lead having got a great exit from cascades. With the top 3 in e running bumper to bumper and Steve Watkins again struggling on used slicks it was a 4 way battle for the lead at half distance. Steve managed to get a bit of performance from the tyres and put a gap while Rich tried to go too but couldn't keep brake temps under control. Pippa's brakes then faded so badly she had to retire while James was going from strength to strength and all over the back of Rich. on lap 8 James managed to squeeze past but Rich kept the pressure on as they ran side by side for the next 2 laps. Unfortunately the race was then red flagged. Rich and James both thought James had taken the win as he was a couple of inches ahead over the line at the end of lap 8 but the stewards had to take it back to the start of lap 8 so Rich was awarded the win. 

Win, fastest lap and a new lap record for Rich!

Race 2 was just as exciting for Pippa, James and Steve but Rich had a bad vibration in the car (later diagnosed as a broken gearbox mount) that was costing a few tenths every lap. however, James and Pippa had a minor collision with two laps to go and Rich drove through to take the lead. It was short lived though as Pippa rejoined and chased Rich down to take the win at the end of the race.

Another fantastic race weekend. Great social scene in the paddock with 2 BBQs (thanks Andy and James/John) as well as close racing up and down the field.

Silverstone next!

Enjoy this on board from James as he pushes to the limit for all of race 1.