[BTCC] Round Four, Oulton Park 31 Jul-01 Aug, Races 10,11&12

[crmalcolm]

Next up on the BTCC calendar for 2021 is Oulton Park. Traditionally seen as a RWD-favouring track, the FWD runners will be hoping to disprove this theory and close in on Sutton. Conversely, Turkington will be hoping to get a jump on the majority of the field and move back towards the top of the standings.

Oulton Park first appeared on the BSCC calendar in 1960, hosting a June meeting that saw Edward Lewis take the 1000cc win in an Austin A40 and Don Parker take the over 1000cc win and multi-class title in a Jaguar XK 150.

The circuit is relatively unchanged since that time, with the only major difference being the introduction of a chicane before Knickerbrook, making this a much safer corner nowadays.



The full grid is still unknown, with Geddie having withdrawn from the series recently. There are a couple of names rumoured, with an announcement expected soon. The field should be well dialled-in for this track having completed a tyre test there in early July.

The first time a full field of NGTC cars competed, the pole position was taken by Turkington in his BMW, and he followed this up with two wins and a third place. Collard also ran well, with only the third race seeing FWD cars on the podium.

2020 saw less dominance from RWD cars. Pole and the first race podium were all taken by FWD cars, Butcher taking pole and a win. Morgan also got a win in the third race in his Mercedes, and of the nine podium spots across the weekend, five went to FWD runners.

Changeable conditions produced three varied contests with rain falling for the first two bouts, before things dried out in time for the final reversed-grid race.
Butcher benefited from Josh Cook’s misfortune in the opener as the on-track race winner was later excluded from the result after his car failed a post-race ride height check. The result meant Butcher had claimed his first victory of the season, as well as scoring a maiden success for the all-new Ford Focus. Dan Cammish and Jake Hill completed the podium.
Sutton then showed his class by producing a dazzling display in wet conditions to storm from eighth on the grid to take victory in race two. Butcher took second place behind him followed by Turkington
Morgan then performed a defensive masterclass to take an emotional home win in the final race at the Cheshire circuit – the only dry run of the day followed home by Turkington and Oliphant.

Qualifying will be on the ITV Hub at www.itv.com/btcc, with the Sunday coverage on ITV4. The full timetable is available at - https://www.barc.net/wp-content/uplo...ulton-Park.pdf

BTCC races start at 12:20, 14:45 and 17:00. Oulton Park has a later start for on-track action on a Sunday, which means that the BTCC races bookend the day.







Early weather forecast shows that the weekend forecast is for 20deg temperatures with a 40% chance of rain.



The form table for the last 6 races at this circuit shows the top five drivers are ranked:

Position	Name	Points
1	Colin TURKINGTON	93
2	Rory BUTCHER	78
3	Tom OLIPHANT	69
4	Dan CAMMISH	63
5	Ash SUTTON	58

The form table in this year’s championship shows that, over the last 6 races the top five drivers are ranked:

Position	Name	Points
1	Tom INGRAM	84
2	Ash SUTTON	78
3	Tom OLIPHANT	54
4	Adam MORGAN	50
5	Colin TURKINGTON	48
5	Rory BUTCHER	48

[Racing Harz]

ITV 4 likely without Addison.
https://twitter.com/addison1972/stat...70084350468099

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

ITV 4 likely without Addison.
https://twitter.com/addison1972/stat...70084350468099

That's a shame. The last time he couldn't make it and the guy who does the Mini commentary (I think) stood in with Tim Harvey. He didn't impress me at all...

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

ITV 4 likely without Addison.
https://twitter.com/addison1972/stat...70084350468099

Ah no, that's a shame, David is great. Richard John Neil I suppose is the next candidate?

[Craner Curves]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

That's a shame. The last time he couldn't make it and the guy who does the Mini commentary (I think) stood in with Tim Harvey. He didn't impress me at all...

I like RJN. When he gets excited, he sounds like Shakira.

[S griffin]

He’s good what he does RJN. I think his voice gets excited when there’s action, although not quite Shakira!

[swooshiain]

RJN spends too much time talking about all his mates in the paddock - drivers, parents, team bosses etc. Would rather listen to PON - he does that too, but he somehow makes it more entertaining, and his boundless enthusiasm just works for some reason

[S griffin]

I guess he feels the need to fill time, but I like RJN's insight. Paul O'Neill's good in his own right, but isn't one I would pick to lead. He is entertaining too of course. He's done quite a bit for the sport

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

BTCC races start at 12:20, 14:45 and 17:00, which means that the BTCC races bookend the day.

...apart from the Ginetta race which is on after the third BTCC race.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by sceptic

...apart from the Ginetta race which is on after the third BTCC race.

Oops - didn't spot that. It had slipped onto the next page (who formatted the document).

[S griffin]

I don’t think anyone noticed that, especially as it’s on the second page, which hardly anyone read

[Evantra]

HARD posted a photo of the CUPRA with someone rather Howard Fuller-ish at the wheel? (which he then retweeted.)

https://twitter.com/teamhardracing/status/1415272381719920644?s=21

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Oops - didn't spot that. It had slipped onto the next page (who formatted the document).

There will be no pit lane walkabout so last race should be back on the first page once that's removed

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by redshoes

There will be no pit lane walkabout so last race should be back on the first page once that's removed

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by redshoes

There will be no pit lane walkabout so last race should be back on the first page once that's removed

And at least two races will be abandoned due to prolonged barrier repairs...

[piekey]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Ah no, that's a shame, David is great. Richard John Neil I suppose is the next candidate?

I would hope RJN gets the gig, he does so much homework on the friday & saturday into whats going on in & around the paddock, by the time he's in the booth his info is bang upto date.
I'm sure many do not realise the legwork that goes into the job.
There are plenty of championships that would have him as lead commentator for live & filmed work.

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by piekey

I would hope RJN gets the gig, he does so much homework on the friday & saturday into whats going on in & around the paddock, by the time he's in the booth his info is bang upto date.
I'm sure many do not realise the legwork that goes into the job.
There are plenty of championships that would have him as lead commentator for live & filmed work.

Unlike the appalling group of clowns that cover F1 on BBC Radio 5….

[S griffin]

At least they put in the effort, but the coverage could be improved

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by sceptic

And at least two races will be abandoned due to prolonged barrier repairs...

Oh no, is Nic's big brother coming along to nerf people off the road?

[S griffin]

Would Lewis even want to try this? Hmm. Maybe he will find some TCR series, but hey, wait till he's retired first

[Steel Wheels]

Originally Posted by Evantra

HARD posted a photo of the CUPRA with someone rather Howard Fuller-ish at the wheel? (which he then retweeted.)

https://twitter.com/teamhardracing/status/1415272381719920644?s=21

Well it’s definitely not Mike Bushell he’s posted that he couldn’t get the sponsors together, but is looking to next year for a return.

[Robshillito1990]

Max Coates in the cupra?

[Pickles]

HARD driver announcement is at 12.30 today...

[BTCC frog]

Originally Posted by Robshillito1990

Max Coates in the cupra?

Random guess, or is there a reason for saying Max Coates?
I was hoping for Bushell, but if he was unable to get the funding I would say Gornall is the next best option.

[Jiiiiiiim]

Originally Posted by BTCC frog

Random guess, or is there a reason for saying Max Coates?
I was hoping for Bushell, but if he was unable to get the funding I would say Gornall is the next best option.

Judging by the picture of the driver in the car, I would say they are of the ‘fairer complexion’ so points towards Jiggy or maybe Howard Fuller, though Max would fit that bill too!