OULTON PARK PREVIEW

The BRSCC North Western Centre runs their first club meeting of the year tomorrow at Oulton Park, the first of five visits to the Cheshire track this season. Qualifying gets underway at 8.30am before the first of 12 races starts at 11.25am.

With a very impressive 66 cars entered in the Ma5da MX5 Championship it has been necessary for them to be divided into groups A to D. There are four races in total for the MX5’s so each competitor will enjoy a double header. Rob Boston from Doncaster currently leads the points table from defending champion Tom Roche. However, both can expect a stiff challenge from local drivers Paul Sheard (Congleton) and Richard Breland (Middlewich) who have great experience at Oulton.

The Caterham Superlights have also pulled in a good grid with 30 cars heading up to Tarporley. 2009 champion Jon Walker heads the embryonic table after winning the Silverstone opener but Andy McMillan, Trevor Fowell and Wigan’s James Sharrock are just a few of the drivers who will be hot on his heels.

As ever local interest will centre around both the Pre 90 and Post 89 categories of the Avon Tyres Formula Ford Northern Championship. Oulton has already hosted the opening two rounds as part of the Time Attack meeting last month. Australian newcomer Jordan Skinner won both Post 89 outings while John Farrell also completed a double in Pre 90.

It’s a family affair in the Alfashop Alfa Romeo Championship where we have a father and daughter tied at the top of the standings for the very first time. Chris Healey (GTV) and daughter Mel (156) both have 38 points after rounds at Castle Combe and Snetterton. Both are travelling up from Surrey for Saturday’s race confident of edging ahead.

The Euro Saloons & Sports Car Championship has new backing from Arrowpak International and they have also produced a strong grid of 24 cars. Tony Soper & current champion Brett Walter are the early pace setters but with such a wide array of cars on display challenges will come from every quarter.