|
Oulton Park
May 23rd 2009
Whitaker's Pole and Victory With a recession busting 20 car turn out, and arguably the best race of the day at Oulton Park, the Classic Formula Ford brigade continued to demonstrate it's close racing at an affordable level. The club welcomed along another two new drivers Graham Briggs and Nick Pakes who were made to feel at home with the usual friendly paddock atmosphere. For some keen individuals the weekend began with a test session on Friday. Unfortunatley they were to be joined in the open wheel sessions by the Formula Renault brigade who demonstrated (as usual) a complete disregard to any flag signals (including overtaking under red flags!) and proceeded to throw there machines at the scenary given half the chance of a damp track. The first thirty minute session consisted of three 'out laps' and one 'in lap', with the time inbetween spent sat in the pitlane waiting for the afore mentioned to be hauled out of the barriers by the rescue crew. This was to be the case for the second morning session also with track time minimised by some outstandingly bad driving. The trouble with mixing up open wheeled cars wih such speed differential in the wet is that they have little understanding that the Formula Fords are on the limit of adhesion at a much lower speed due to the lack of downforce compared to themselves and some manovers really can catch you out which can lead to serious damage. So with looking in the mirrors becoming a serious habit for most of the lap everyone was glad that the afternoon sessions were a little dryer allowing for some better running time. Qualifying was fairly uneventful on the Satarday morning in dry conditions with the only reportable action happening in parc ferme when an over keen official threw all crew members out of the area as it was out of bounds. Most were fairly suprised as taking tyre pressures and taking the micky is usual practice when the helpers and supporters keenly surround cars after a session. It was certain nobody was spotted posting lead balls into any orifaces. Obviously it is clear in the regulations that the Parc Ferme is a no go area, but no one had no seen it enforced before. You have been warned! Next race Brands Hatch double header, June 13th / 14th. | |