British GT - Round 2 & 3

The British GT Championship brings Rounds 2 and 3 to Oulton Park in Cheshire, England. This event features two one-hour races showcasing GT3 and GT4 production-based supercars on one of England's most popular circuits. The SRO Motorsports Group promotes this championship, which stands as the oldest series in their current portfolio.

British GT Championship at Oulton Park

Oulton Park hosts the second event of the British GT season. The weekend includes support races from the GB4 Championship, Ginetta Juniors, Ginetta GT Academy, and the Ginetta GT Championship. The Classic Sports Car Club (CSCC) provides additional racing action with a combined grid for the Slicks and New Millennium Series. Practice and qualifying sessions lead up to the headline British GT races.

This event is part of a streamlined six-event calendar for the season. The reduction from seven events serves as a cost-saving measure for teams and competitors. Entry for the season is capped at 34 cars to maintain a balanced environment for amateur drivers.

The Oulton Park Circuit

MotorSport Vision (MSV) owns and operates this hard-surfaced motor racing track near Little Budworth. The International Circuit configuration spans 2.676 miles (4.307 km) and features 17 turns. The circuit uses the natural contours of the land, creating an undulating terrain with fast straights and challenging corners.

Notable Circuit Sections

Old Hall presents a medium-high speed right-hander with a tricky braking zone. Cascades offers a quick and cambered left-hand corner. Island Bend demands precision through its very quick section. Shell Oils Corner requires late braking for the right-hand hairpin.

Britten's Chicane marks the first of two chicanes on the circuit. Hislops forms a tight hairpin. Knickerbrook presents a chicane re-modelled to slow cars. Clay Hill provides a climb. Druids and Lodge complete the lap with sweeping bends.

The circuit incorporates numerous and severe changes in elevation. Many blind turns require significant commitment from drivers. Extensive spectator banking offers superb views of the circuit for fans.

GT3 and GT4 Competition

The British GT Championship features production-based, race-tuned supercars in two main classes. GT3 represents the faster class, while GT4 provides close competition in the second tier. Driver pairings typically consist of a professional driver (FIA Silver grade or higher) and an amateur driver (FIA Bronze grade).

Current regulations no longer permit driver line-ups with two FIA Silver-graded drivers in British GT3. This rule maintains a balanced environment for amateur drivers. Various manufacturers compete across both classes, creating diverse grids.

Technical Regulations

British GT cars adhere to technical regulations set by the SRO Motorsports Group. GT3 cars comply with the FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J Art. 257A technical regulations. GT4 cars run to GT4 regulations.

Race formats at Oulton Park feature 60-minute sprint races. Other weekends throughout the season include longer races lasting two to three hours. These longer races incorporate mandatory pit stops, driver changes, refuelling, and tire changes.

Pit stop success penalties apply based on results from the previous round. For two-hour or longer races, the top three finishers in each class serve additional pitstop success penalties of 20, 15, and 10 seconds respectively. This system maintains close competition throughout the season.

Circuit History and Heritage

Oulton Park opened on August 8, 1953. The Mid-Cheshire Car Club developed the circuit, utilizing the natural contours of the land. The grounds were part of the Oulton Estate before becoming a race circuit.

During World War II, the site served as a staging camp for US Army units under General Patton before the Normandy landings. American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis put on exhibition bouts for the troops stationed there.

The track has seen several modifications for safety over the decades. A chicane was added at Top Hill in 1973. Another chicane was installed at Knickerbrook following a fatal accident in 1991. The Gold Cup event, which once attracted Formula One teams and drivers, is now a popular historic racing meeting.

What Makes This Event Special

Oulton Park is widely regarded as one of England's most popular race tracks. The sweeping contours and picturesque setting create a unique atmosphere. The circuit has earned a reputation as one of the country's toughest tests for both car and driver over more than 60 years of operation.

The layout challenges drivers with its blind turns and elevation changes. GT3 and GT4 cars showcase their capabilities through the fast sections and demanding corners. The combination of professional and amateur drivers creates unpredictable racing.

Rounds 2 and 3 at Oulton Park offer fans close competition across both classes. The british-gt series provides accessible racing for spectators, with multiple vantage points around the circuit. The support races add variety to the weekend's action.

This event promises close racing on a circuit that rewards driver skill and car setup. The British GT Championship continues to attract top-level competitors in GT racing. Oulton Park remains a favorite venue for teams and fans alike.