Race Report: Oulton Park - 13th May

JEC Jaguar XK Race Series 2018

14th May 2017

The XK Series congregated at the beautiful & challenging Oulton Park circuit in rural Cheshire for the first race of the season. At 2.69 miles, this challenging circuit features elevation changes, fast & slow corners and the infamous Deers Leap, where cars can become unsettled, before the start/finish straight. David Wenman entered the XK120 normally driven by son Andrew to show the youngster some quick lappery.

Another seasoned campaigner, Rob Newall brought out his 120FHC whilst Chris Keith-Lucas drove out the XK150FHC, normally driven by his wife, although Claire was there to keep a watchful eye on proceedings. Paul Kennelly changed mounts from his bright blue 120 to a Class A 150S. As usual Geoff Ottley drove his XK120 to the meeting, in the spirit of club racing. Rob Pinchbeck has got to the bottom of the car spinning away from him, having discovered that the 120 was dripping fluid from the catch tank on to a rear wheel throughout last season!. The car is now painted in the original Jaguar grey & looked stunning.

Qualifying

Revelling in the damp conditions, 2 XKs headed the 50’s Sort Car grid, ahead if the much faster Cooper Bobtail, Lister Bristol ‘Flat Iron’ & Turner ‘Gurney Special’. Chris Keith-Lucas (XK150) annexed pole with an excellent 2.25.4, over a second ahead of the Newall XK120, with Kennelly on row 2. Pinchbeck managed as quick spin as he sought, & found, the limits of adhesion on the very greasy track.

Race

With an excellent start, Newall led into Old Hall ahead of Keith-Lucas & Kennelly, who nipped ahead of the Cooper. XKs 1,2 & 3!!

Newall held off faster cars until lap 7, when lack of brakes dropped him to 3^rd overall, a position he held until the chequered flag. A fine drive.

Keith-Lucas held 2^nd until lap 4 when a spin at Hislops chicane, dropped him to the back of the pack, recovering to 8^th before the end of the race.

Kennelly moved up to claim 3^rd for a while, but dropped to 4^th overall but claim Class A win.

Wenman started 9^th but fought his way to pass Ottleys XK120 & earn Drive of the Day for a spirited drive. Despite missing the chicane, Ottley secured Class B honours. Rob Pinchbeck netted a 3^rd in class in the XK120 to finish a hard- fought race. Jaguars again demonstrating themselves a match with the AMOC 50s Sports Cars.

Photographs – Nick Edwards. See also https://www.flickr.com/people/nickonthebutton/

Race Gallery

Race Results

Fastest Laps

Fastest Lap	Driver	Class	Race Time
		Class

Results for Class

Position	Driver	Total Time	Fastest Lap
1st