The Cheshire circuit will host the fifth event of the 2023 Championship
Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship are set to take place at Oulton Park next weekend (17/18 June), marking the midpoint of the 2023 season.
The fifth event on the BTCC calendar has always been hugely popular among drivers and fans alike, as the race for the most coveted prize in UK motorsport continues to take shape.
NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton claimed his fifth and sixth race victories at Thruxton last weekend (3/4 June), as the 29-year-old extended his advantage in the overall Drivers’ standings.
Team-mate Dan Rowbottom then completed a fantastic day for the Ford Focus squad, claiming victory in the final reverse grid race and building on NAPA Racing UK’s lead in the Teams’/ Manufacturers’ standings.
Tom Ingram (BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8) and Josh Cook (One Motorsport with Starline Racing) completed the podium positions in each of the first two races, before Adam Morgan (Team BMW) and Aiden Moffat (One Motorsport with Starline Racing) claimed silverware in the finale.
Ingram’s double podium minimised his points gap (14) to title rival Sutton, retaining his second-place spot in the Drivers’ standings; while Cook’s two visits to the rostrum increased his lead in the Independent Drivers’ Standings, sitting 40 points ahead of stable-mate Moffat. One Motorsport with Starline Racing now also lead the Independent Teams’, after a strong showing at the Hampshire circuit.
A consistent haul of Jack Sears Trophy points for Dexter Patterson across the first 12 Rounds has meant that the Re. Beverages with Bartercard and Team HARD racer has taken the advantage in the standings. However, with only a five-point lead, NAPA Racing UK’s Sam Osborne will be applying the pressure to get back to the top.
Now the BTCC turns towards the historic Oulton Park – one of the most popular events on the BTCC calendar. The Cheshire track is as picturesque as it is action-packed; developed almost 70 years ago, the BTCC has been visiting for the vast majority of that time.
Local Lights
Local driver Morgan heads to his home race on the back of a second-place finish during Round 12 at Thruxton. The Lancastrian will be looking for a strong showing in front of local support, as well as picking up points for Team BMW, who currently sit second in both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ standings.
Oulton Park is also home to Speedworks Motorsport-run TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, who will be chasing a second podium of the season, especially after reaching the rostrum during the Oulton opener last year.
TV, Timetables and Tickets
Complimenting the tin-top racing will be a sensational line-up of support series, as The Hagerty Radical Cup UK, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, ROKiT F4 British Championship and The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE completes the schedule of exciting races.
Saturday’s qualifying session will be streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1530.
On Sunday, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is delighted to confirm that the opening two hours (1200-1400) of race day will be LIVE on ITV1, showcasing the opening BTCC bout, as well as a Formula 4 and Porsche Carrera Cup GB contest. The remainder of the afternoon – a further four plus hours of live action – will be screened LIVE on ITV4 (1400-1815).
Tickets are available in advance or can be purchased on the gate throughout the weekend – visit here for more details.
