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Oulton Park circuit was developed by the Mid-Cheshire Car Club in 1953, and is a glorious and historic circuit which uses the natural contours of its picturesque location. In its early days the Oulton Park Gold Cup regularly attracted top International teams and drivers - Stirling Moss won the Cup five times here in the 1950s and 60s, the first in a Maserati 250F in '54 and the last in '61 in the only victory for the four-wheel drive Ferguson. These days the largest events are the British Touring Car Championship and British Superbike Championship.
Oulton Park is just over 10 miles from the M6: from the North exit J19 head towards Chester on the A556, then turn left onto the A49; from the South exit J18 head towards Chester on the A54.
For the track day enthusiast, Oulton Park should be on your list of "must do" UK circuits. It's a technical and challenging circuit with a combination of high and low speed bends and plenty of gradient to get to grips with. The most challenging part of the circuit is probably the section from Fosters, up Clay Hill and through Druids (particularly tricky approach) and Lodge (tricky right hander). The fast downhill left hander through Cascades and the steeply banked Shell Oils corner (International circuit only) are also demanding. In fact most of the major corners are followed by significant straights, so just about any error is costly for those chasing a good lap time.
Top tip: turn in late at Lodge, but make sure you hit the apex, as the exit can be treacherous. Once you're through the bend, aim for the control tower (but don't hit it!).
Words kindly provided by Andrew Kell (ajk)
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