Oulton Park 2009

20th June - National Championship
Round Six
Oulton Park

Oulton Report by Kiaya Brace

Well what a day we had yesterday at Oulton park. Round 6 was full of the usual excitement and more crashes than we’ve had so far in one round. A very different turn out from our visit to Oulton Park last year. Instead of #1 John Jon Higgins turning out another set of wins, the fast and furious #2 Lee Fitzpatrick came out on top with his first ever hat trick in Legends Racing. With major crashes from #8, #3, #16, #24 and #12 the teams have a lot of work to do to get their cars up and running for croft. Even sooner for Burnetts #8 and #3 Ross Marshall for this weekend as Ross is leading the Scottish Championship so far and Nick is contesting the rookie championship there.

Winners of The Day

With a lovely set of 3 wins and fastest lap in qualifying, the 2nd heat and the final, the overall winner of the day went to, who was known as ‘Dangerous Brian’ when he first started racing legends, the fantastic fast #2 Lee Fitzpatrick. “Congratulations Lee you most definitely deserve it and all your team mates are very proud and happy for you. Phenomenal racing throughout the day from you.” 2nd of the day went to #19, Lawrence Davey with a 3rd in heat 1 and 2nd in heat 2. Again wonderful racing and as always a cheeky smile to go with it. “Well done Lawrence!” 3rd place to team Kartcher’s #11 Simon Belcher. In heat 1 he turned out 5th and an improving 3rd in the 2nd heat. “Congratulations Simon and to your team, a lot of hard work from you all to get #12 up and running for the final after an unfortunate crash in heat 2 and a DNF.“ A great turn out from the day winner wise.

Driver Of The Day

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Driver of the Day went to the well deserved Sir Gerard Mc Cosh. An absolute joy to watch as always but an amazing turn out from him this weekend. Our most respected Gentlemen walked away from the day with no damage to his car, one of few, and 8th place in heat 1, 6th place in heat 2 then 11th in the final. Wonderfully clean driving with many, many over takes. With Napoleon behind him it seems he’s one to look out for. A lovely interview from Gerard as well for AJK Television as always a pleasure to talk to, thank you. “A massive congratulations to you Gerard, you’re a wonderful character and we’re all very pleased for you.”

Crashes And DNF’s

“Safety Car coming out.” Became a very popular saying this weekend. Unfortunate crashes to quite a few drivers at Oulton. In heat 1 Safety Car was called out due to an accident of which we’re still unsure the main cause. But it involved Ross Marshall #3, Stephen Whitelegg #66 and #24 Matthew Pape. They all DNF that heat. As did Richard Pocklington #16 due to a broken half shaft. #40, Roger Cousins due an engine fault that was unable to be repaired for anymore races that day. DNF also for Glenn Burtenshaw #72. Safety Car was not called out for heat 2 although it was a close call as there was a large collision with #3 and #16 as Ross Marshall had a brake failure coming down towards Cascades taking Richard Pocklington with him head on into the tyre wall. #1 John Jon Higgins was out in the 1st lap with a suspension failure after having already changing his engine twice this meeting. Peter Morton #32 was out as his steering jammed whilst manoeuvring through the last corner. #24 Matthew Pape, #12 Stephen Treherne and Paul Mansell #59 all DNF heat 2. In the final the Safety Car was very much needed as #8 Bracey (Nick Brace) clipped the grass and hit the tyre wall, bounced off and flew tumbling through the air before landing back on the armco. Smashing up most of his car including both the front and rear chassis bent, extensive repairs will be needed to his car before the next round. Thankfully other than feeling a bit battered and bruised Nick is fine and will be back for round 7. Unfortunately Roger Cousins, Ross Marshall, Richard Pocklington and Paul Mansell were unable to participate in the final due to previous crashes. Brian Cooke sadly also DNF the Final.

Jamie Clarke

Welcome Back to Burnett’s #7 driver Jamie Clarke. Did you enjoy your first weekend back? I’m sure you found it as thrilling as we all did. A very efficient and quick driver to have back on the team. As the 2003 winner of the Scottish Championship I’m sure you have plenty more to show us with your driving standards. 6th in the 1st heat, 5th in the 2nd and, disappointingly, a DNF in the final. We look forward to hopefully seeing you again at Croft. Another great weekend despite the accidents!

20th June - Hat Trick for Lee

Lee Fitzpatrick not only maintained his early season form but improved on it taking his first ever hat trick in Legends Cars today on the Island circuit at Oulton Park and taking the championship lead in the process. John Jon Higgins was fourth overall despite a retirement whilst Darren Gaulton bagged a superb career best 6th overall - well done Darren. Jamie Clarke's return to Legends showed he had lost none of his skill or speed as he took 6th and 5th in the two heats. Nick Brace was out of luck in the final with a retirement but took 9th and 4th in the heats. Ross Marshall had a disappointing day with two retirements - the Scottish Championship leader may well be releived that the bad luck did not befall him on home soil.