All three One Motorsport with Starline Racing drivers are approaching this weekend’s (17/18 June) fifth event of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park with relish, after a trophy-laden meeting last time out.
At Thruxton ten days ago (3/4 June), Josh Cook scooped two podium finishes, capped with two victories in the Independents’ Trophy division, while team-mate Aiden Moffat underlined his progress with his maiden rostrum of the season during the final bout in Hampshire. Will Powell continued his learning process with the team’s Honda Civic Type R, and all three are excited at the prospect of returning to action in Cheshire in a couple days time.
This weekend’s three rounds are chance to take another step towards the top of the podium, on a track which rewards a strong-handling car and driver bravery. The 2.26-mile parkland track features elevation changes and some challenging high-speed corners.
“Oulton Park is always a track which I look forward to going to," said Cook, "The corners are demanding and a strong chassis – plus some bravery – means it is a real test to nail a quick lap time. We are understanding more and more about our One Motorsport with Starline Racing Honda, and that was clear with two podiums at Thruxton.
“Now we are going on to a track which is a different type of challenge. The team has worked relentlessly to find those last little bits of performance in the engine and chassis, and that effort is beginning to pay off. This weekend will give us another chance to underline that, and I am really looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.”
Moffat’s strong weekend at Thruxton delivered three points-paying performances and he has now vaulted into second place in the race for the Independents’ Trophy for drivers. He sits just below table-topper Cook.
The Scotsman, who scored a podium finish at the equivalent meeting last season, explains that Oulton Park is a track he looks forward to.
“It is a brilliant circuit that can really pay dividends if you put it all on the line. It is not for the faint-hearted,” said Moffat.
“I like tracks where you can attack, and I can’t wait to get back into my One Motorsport with Starline Racing Honda. The steps forward we made with the car at Thruxton have given me a real sense of optimism and I think we are moving in the right direction.
“I must say a huge thanks to the entire crew, who haven’t let up in their quest to help me settle into the team and get to a place where I can extract the most from it. Given our upward trajectory, I think that some really exciting results are in the pipeline.”
Will Powell was knocking hard on the door of a points finish at Thruxton before being the innocent victim of an accident in race two. He thinks that this weekend could be a breakthrough for him in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Powell said: “There is no doubt the last round at Thruxton was a challenge for us. But we are looking ahead and we are going to Oulton Park, which is one of my favourite tracks and it is always one to look forward to.
“The season hasn’t gone the way I have wanted it too so far, but we are all working hard and hopefully our fortunes will change this weekend.”
The fifth meeting of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship takes place on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The qualifying session, which is scheduled to start at 1540, is streamed LIVE via the ITV Sport YouTube channel.
The races are due to kick off at 1217, 1440 and 17:5. The main ITV1 channel will show the opening two rounds with a programme which goes on air at 1200 and runs through to 1400. The coverage will then switch to ITV4 until 1815.
