Finally, its time, after all the posts on numerous media platforms and cries of “when can we go racing?” well it’s here and NG Road Racing’s first stop is here at Oulton Park on route to a seven round circuit tour for the 2024 season.
The history of Oulton Park goes way back to when the land was owned by the Egeton family who were made Lords of the manor by Henry VII fast forward to 1940’s and General Patton set up base for the Normandy Landings and the first roads were laid, post war and the revival in motorsport saw the Mid – Cheshire motor club run the first event on the former camps roads in 1953.
These first steps then progressed to track extensions, a number of owners and modifications which in turn led us to 2004 and MSV acquiring the track and bringing it up to today’s standards.
NG returns to kick start a new season with the same mix of racing classes to cover the budget racer, Suzuki Bandit challenge and Ducati Desmo Due, to the ultra-competitive IMS 600 & HM Racing 600 clubman (and oversubscribed entry ) , the ACU 125 & 250 National Championship for former GP 2 strokes, the RE Performance Powerbike and the Phoenix Open.
Riders to watch will be George Edwards moving up from the Dan Cooper Motorsport run Yamaha 600 to the Honda Fireblade making him the man to chase rather than the chasing in the Phoenix Open. This opens the door for the 600 class for runner up in 23 Ricky Elder to be the front runner but the class is proving to be as popular as ever so not going to be an easy run for anyone.
Hopefully everyone will be fit from pre-season testing with the now normal run to the sun Spanish track days although a number of riders are already recovering from spills already! As well as the last minute dot com engine rebuilds and pleas for parts, just another normal start to the racing season.
Keep an eye on the programme for all the returning Sponsors and a few new ones too they help keep the wheels racing support them when you can.
The paddock is as normal open to spectators if you can get away from the 18 race programme
All we need is the weather gods to be kind to us for a great start to the race season.
Martin Bennett : race commentator