Oulton Park May 2005.

Report from European Motorsport of the classic Jaguar saloons race

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EuropeanMotorSport (EMS) attended the fifth round of the season's racing at Oulton Park, and as usual the circuit provided thrills, spills and great entertainment for the thousands of spectators.

The season is starting to get more competitive with 'new' cars now showing their form and challenging the EMS supremacy! This was apparent in qualifying when Simon Lewis only managed 2nd on the front row of the grid! Howard Kirkham had a good session in his still improving car and managed 6th place on the grid. Jim Shea had a bad start to the day, (which would get worse) when his steering was damaged in transit. Jim completed the mandatory 3 laps required to qualify for the race and retired to the pits!! Jim would be starting 2 cars from the very back of the grid!

SATURDAY'S RACE

20 cars were on the grid for the Oulton race, all keen to impress the crowds, some maybe a little too keen! As the start lights went out, Simon took the pole car (XJ Coupe) in to the first corner for the lead of the race. The XJC did not give up and soon took the lead back!

Meanwhile, the following pack had to avoid a major spin from an over zealous X300, this resulted in Howard ending up at the back of the pack. Jim already being at the back saw all of the carnage unfold in front of him. He commented "at one point the cars were three abreast on the grass, how everybody got through without any contact is a miracle". Howard now had to methodically pick his way through the tail enders! Jim, whose steering had been partly repaired had to hope for a finish to get points and keep his championship battle alive.

Towards the end of the race, Howard had made up 7 places to finish 5th in class. Howard said; "Oulton is a great circuit, but it is very difficult to overtake here, I'm amazed that I managed to overtake so many cars! Whilst I am pleased with the cars improvements, there is a long way to go to get it on pole position."

Jim's steering problem was now self evident and during an overtaking manouevre the car under steered off the track and hit the Armco safety barriers, causing extensive damage to the car! Jim was unhurt in this incident, but did not finsih the race.

Simon continued to fight for the lead lap after lap but to no avail. He finished 2nd overall, a fraction of a second behind the XJC. Simon commented "although I came 2nd I have kept my championship lead, which was important to me. I could perhaps have been braver, but that doesn't always pay off".

Howard's car is now having new larger inlet ports fitted and will have a new differential fitted which should help with acceleration. Jim's car is having the whole front end rebuilt, with new cross members, wings, bonnet etc! We are assured by the support crew that the cars will be ready for the next round at Donington.

We look forward to seeing you at Donington Park on 19th June.

Regards,
EuropeanMotorSport