NORTH-WEST TRACK GEARS UP FOR BRITAIN'S TOP RACE SERIES
There are now less than two weeks to go before Britain’s
premier motor racing series – the Dunlop MSA British
Touring Car Championship – headlines at the Oulton Park
circuit in Cheshire on 24 June. It is the only time in 2007
that the BTCC will appear in the North-West making it a must-see
event for enthusiasts from across the region.
Oulton is annually one of the best-attended fixtures on the
BTCC calendar, with crowds of more than 40,000 previously
recorded. The circuit’s scenic parkland setting, undulating
lay-out, excellent viewing areas and good spectator facilities
make it a huge hit with drivers and fans alike. Its location,
easily accessible via the M62 and M6 motorways, also means
it boasts a loyal fanbase across the North-West, Midlands
and Wales.
And the title race could hardly be closer as Oulton gears
up for its big BTCC race day – Jason Plato leads the
championship but by the drastically reduced margin of just
two points from top Italian driver Fabrizio Giovanardi. Reigning
champion Matt Neal is third and also very much still in the
hunt. And with drivers in a wide variety of cars from Alfa
Romeo, BMW, Honda, SEAT and Vauxhall having led races so far
this season, Oulton’s rounds are expected to prove ultra-competitive.
Local favourites to Oulton Jason Hughes (Preston) and Chris
Stockton (Malpas) will also be looking to shine after scoring
points in the most recent rounds at the Croft circuit in North
Yorskhire. Both drivers race for their own teams: Hughes’
Kartworld MG runs uniquely on bio-ethanol fuel; Stockton,
married to leading British three-day eventer Polly Stockton,
will be in action racing his BTC team’s Lexus.
The track action at Oulton on 24 June begins at midday with
the first of three BTCC rounds. However, the public is advised
to get there early for the popular Pit Lane Walkabout session
when the crowds are invited into the pit lane to meet the
drivers for autographs and giveaways. In addition there will
be another six races on the Sunday bill, featuring the supporting
BMW, Porsche, SEAT and Renault championships.
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