Oulton Park Review

Posted on 17th September 2024 at 15:42

Round 6: CRMC Oulton Park - It was our first visit to the Cheshire circuit for 6 years – I couldn’t believe it was that long ago – for sure as you get older, time seems to move faster and faster, and that was certainly the case for many riders, with multiple lap records broken in many classes.

CRMC Oulton Park: 24 & 26 August 2024 - Race Report by Jono Yardley

Quite a few of our riders took advantage of the Track day which was run by Rob & Darin of CRMC sponsor Classic Bike Trackdays, and I’m sure this helped remind, or in some cases, learn the 2.7 mile circuit. And there is a lot to learn; two tricky chicanes – Brittans & Hislop and many very fast corners, certainly making a ride around the Park properly demanding.

The weather was pretty good for most of the three days, with the exception being a minor storm on Saturday morning. It only lasted for about 20 or 30 minutes but those riders who were unlucky to have their races while the track was wet, had to struggle with quite difficult conditions.

Sunny races for most at Oulton Park

One of those who obviously wasn’t happy with the conditions was Adam Sheriff, who had easily led the Supersport 600 race until the rain started on about the 3rd lap, he then had a couple of moments and dropped back to 5th place, but Mark Roxborough didn’t seem at all bothered and led, looking incredibly confident to take an early win. Adam did recover back to 3rd at the finish, and then went on to claim multiple wins in the same class, as well as the Proddy and Superstock 750, so he can’t be too disappointed with his weekend, despite running out of fuel in the ACU Post Classic race!

Mark Roxburgh (119) leading the race

A stormy wet race for some on Saturday

In the 500 Classic Joe Woodward had an excellent meeting with multiple wins, Mark Cronshaw didn’t have the lucky gods on his side – a variety of issues including a broken chain on the start line saw paid to that. In the 350 Classic classes, we were treated to some brilliant riding from Neil Watson, Graham Higlett and Joop Van De Pol. I think I’m correct in saying Neil hasn’t yet won a race outright (if I’m wrong please don’t shout at me Neil!), and very nearly won the 3rd race, but was just pipped at the line by a very hard charging Higlett who deprived Neil by just 6 hundredths of a second. Must have been super painful for Neil as he had led the whole race.

Don't look behind you Neil! Neil Watson (181) leads Graham Higlett (501)

Graham Higlett (501) nips in front of Neil Watson (181)at the end of the race

Also catching our commentator's eye...

It was great to see more Ducati 748’s coming out to play and two of them were ridden by new to us riders – Lee Marks and Greg Wright, and boy can they ride? Lee had two 2nd places and Greg had two top 5 results, despite issues with his Duke. They both really enjoyed their time with the club and for sure they will be back.

In the Lansdowne, Mark Taylor on Andy Astley’s Oakdene Manx Norton, once again looked in simply unbeatable form, with 4 straight wins, despite the very fast racing speeds being shown by Graham Higlett and Daniel Jackson who equally shared the remaining podium positions between themselves.

The sidecar grids were a little thin, but we were treated to a fine ride (or should that be drive?) by Keiran Clark, who broke the existing lap record on Monday. Great to see him back and going so well. Jason & Byron Reily, Jack Gristwood partnered by Alice Smith, Danny Quirk partnered by Sharon Reeves certainly provided some exciting spectating. From my favoured position at Knickerbrook, which is next to the exit of the Hizzy chicane, we all got to see lots of fresh air under the third wheel – always good fun methinks.

Lee Marks (14) on his Ducati 748

It would be amiss of me not to mention the Paraders, who made the effort to get out and enjoy one of the best circuits in the country. They were many in numbers and again the spectators certainly enjoyed watching them.

Sunday was day off, and we put on three events for people to do. Mike ‘The Spike’ Edwards ran a training session, which was very well attended by over 70. This included classroom input, followed by a track walk, and the feedback has been excellent. So a big THANK YOU Mike. There was also a wine tasting and the day was finished off by a cycling competition and over 30 people had a go. It was a proper fun event and many riders’ children took part, and in some cases showed their Mums and Dads how to do it.

All in all it was a great weekend and we look forward to a final event of the year at Anglesey, which of course includes the final two Championship rounds and the ‘Races of the Year’, which are a longer race than usual and a great way to finish off a year of great Classic motorcycle racing.

We are having a fun General Knowledge quiz on Saturday evening. The last time we did this, it was very well attended and was a great laugh. Only a couple of quid to enter, so please come along and have a go.

Be there or be square