VTEC Challenge @ Oulton Park

[Jonathan F]

Oulton Park: May 28th 2011 (Rounds 5 and 6 of BARC’s VTEC Challenge)

Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park's combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and cherished circuits available in the UK.

Situated in the grounds of what was once Oulton Hall, the circuit is a popular circuit for both racers and spectators alike.

Running on the “Island” layout meant that the guys would be covering a lengthy 2.260 miles per lap. Missing out the “Shell Oils Corner”, would mean the drivers needed to pay particular attention to turning right at “Island Bend”, and not go sailing by!

On home soil were the Integra DC2 of Stewart Hutchinson and the Accord Type R of Andy Smith, both looking to capitalise on the “home turf advantage”.

Notably absent from the event was the popular “R-Motion” Civic who’s planned move up to the “Tuner” class had been thwarted by terminal engine failure on the dyno in the run up to the event.

Making a welcome return was Rick Rowles with his FN2 “Mugen” powered Civic Type R, who had made the journey up from Swindon. Having not seen the car since Silverstone, it would be interesting to see how it has progressed.

With the season progressing along nicely, drivers were all now beginning to look for that extra turn of speed, or that quicker line through the corners.

Whilst some of the cars were sporting obvious modifications, others were more covert. Either way the circuit at Oulton was all set to put the grid through its paces.


Qualifying

With a dry circuit awaiting them, everyone rolled out onto the circuit to set their best time.

With Smith and Hutchinson having had many a lap pass under their wheels at this circuit, some of the fellow racers used their experience to help them learn the best lines.

Gareth was showing that his Class D CRX was capable of setting quick times, but didn’t quite have the legs over the likes of Voaden on the circuit’s fast sectors.

Roberts and Cribley were sharing the driving for the weekend in the second of the CRX’s, so both had to get out in qualifying to set their times. Roberts would be racing first, while the “Performance Autoworks” Director would be out in race 2.

Following qualifying, the result showed that Voaden had done enough to secure his 3rd pole position of the season ahead of Gareth Broadbent and Stewart Hutchinson in a group C JDM Integra.

Pole: Rich Voaden
2nd: Gareth Broadbent
3rd: Stewart Hutchinson


Race 1:

With Voaden on pole, everyone could be forgiven for thinking this would be a one horse race, but as we all know racing can be unpredictable to say the least!

Lining up on the grid alongside Gareth with Stewart and Andy on the 2nd row, Richy in the Integra needed a text book start so as not to give the guys any opportunity for a way past.

With the red lights out, Rich and Gareth got an even start, but just as he was about to shift into high gear and pull away, Voaden suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure and lost all drive, which not only put paid to his winning form, but also left him in the path of a charging Mark Chese in his EP3 Civic Type R.

With little time to act, Mark skilfully avoided any contact with Rich as he coasted around “Old Hall” corner to become one the spectators for the rest of the race.

With Voaden’s race over before it had started, the CRX driver from Farnham took charge of the race and lead Stewart Hutchinson in 2nd all the way to the flag.

Andy Smith in his group A Accord Type R was “on it” from the word go, and was hounding Hutchinson to give up his 2nd place, but it wouldn’t happen without a fight.

Starting from 6th place, Richard Chilton in the UK spec Integra got a great start and jumped up to 4th place, passing Mark Chese and holding off Rick’s Civic in the process.

On lap three Andy narrowly avoid contact with a slowing Hutchinson at “Island Bend” and ended up dropping to last place as he took to the escape road. This promoted Chilton to 3rd and despite a valiant attempt by Smith, (which saw him claw back up to 4th) the damage was done.

1st: Gareth Broadbent
2nd: Stewart Hutchinson
3rd: Richard Chilton

Class wins were awarded to Andy Smith (Accord Type R), Rick Rowles (Civic Type R), Stewart Hutchinson (JDM DC2) and Gareth Broadbent (CRX).

Fastest lap: Gareth Broadbent 1:40.027 sec on lap 8 of 9


Intermission:

It’s at this point I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge some true “team spirit” and show what I think puts the VTEC Challenge ahead of other series.

Due to the unfortunate start to race 1, Richard Voaden could be forgiven for thinking his day was run, and he should pack up early and head off home to Highworth.

In most other series, that would be the case, but with huge support and help from the organisers “R-Motion”, and Andy Smith at “VTEC Direct” (yes the same guy who is in the same class as Rich) the car was stripped in the paddock, the driveshaft was removed and repaired at “VTEC Direct” and re-installed ready for race 2! You wouldn’t see Red Bull and Ferrari helping each other out in the same way!


Race 2:

With the grid for race two established with the competitors 2nd fastest lap from qualifying, meant that despite not finishing race 1, Richfound himself once again on pole but this time Stewart Hutchinson was alongside, with Gareth and Andy behind on row two.

Hoping for a successful start, Voaden judged the lights to a tee and got clean away and past the first corner, which was a bonus I’m sure he was pleased about.

Gareth nipped through from the second row to squeeze inside Hutchinson in the Integra and by the exit of “Old Hall” bend he was in 2nd place and setting his sights on Voaden and a second race win.

Hutchinson was now holding 3rd comfortably and pulled out enough of a lead over Smith to know that in order to retain the place all he had to do was drive well within his limits.

Smith had to settle for 4th place, which except for an unscheduled detour through the escape road at “Knickerbrook” was an untroubled event for him.

Mark Chese had a comfortable 5th ahead of the battling duo of “Rowles” and “Chilton”. Both drivers had a great race, with honest clean driving, showing that you don’t have to “Rub” to race!

With the flag dropped, Richard Voaden had returned to form to take the second race win of the day.

Despite staying in contention with Voaden, Broadbent wasn’t able to make a challenge on the leader, and crossed the line in 2nd place.

1st: Rich Voaden
2nd: Gareth Broadbent
3rd: Stewart Hutchinson

Class wins were awarded to Rich Voaden (DC2), Rick Rowles (Civic Type R), Stewart Hutchinson (JDM DC2) and Gareth Broadbent (CRX).

Fastest lap: Rich Voaden 1:39.808 sec on lap 8 of 9


Summary:

So, who’ll be victorious at rounds 7 & 8?

With the VTEC Challenge moving to Wales, and the breathtaking Anglesey circuit for rounds 7 and 8 on the 2nd and 3rd of July, stay tuned for more exciting races.

Big thanks to Mike and Kris for all their hard work within the series. Thanks to all the supporters for the series!

Thanks from me go out to Rich, Andy, Gareth, Stew and Richard for helping me put this report together.