I enjoy Oulton Park for two reasons: it is a fantastically challenging circuit and, at just over an hour away, it is the closest circuit to my home. The one thing I do not like is the lack of Sunday usage, thanks to the locals. So, apart from testing, a race weekend is always a one-day affair.
The circuit is very hilly with all types of corner. Fast and off-camber; fast and on-camber; there’s a flat hairpin approached via hard-braking; there’s a chicane with a medium-speed downhill approach; so it goes on, a real challenge.
I’ve raced on the Island configuration a few times, but not for quite a few years. It the International configuration that appears to be the most used, but it is also the most dangerous, due to the Shell Oils hairpin. Instead, the far-end of the circuit is Island hairpin, a corner that can be attacked safe in the knowledge that out-braking oneself will result in blowing a fast lap or, in a race, losing lots of places. The likelihood is that the car will still be in one piece, if not the tyres. You still get the amazing Cascades, the challenging Knickerbrook chicane and the double-apexed Druids. The remaining corners are also great, and you are likely to get more laps over the same period of time.
Circuit Details
Oulton Park Circuit
Little Budworth,
Tarporley,
Cheshire.
CW6 9BW.
01829 760301
email: oultonpark@msv.com
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2021, as published online on 02/09/2021.
Length: 1.66 miles, 2.67 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 32
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 34
Other Classes: 38
Getting There
The above link provides a map and advice on how to access the circuit for competitors and spectators.
SatNav
Entering a post code into my satnav usually gets me there, but not always, so I also include GPS coordinates with this guide. What3Words are also an increasingly useful addition. I try to find a w3w location with at least one word that is related to motor racing; I also try to find short words.
I have also provided coordinates and What3Words for a position within the paddock. This could be useful as a meeting point for guests.
Circuit Entrance Coordinates
- DMS: 53°11’0.96″,-2°37’3.93″
- DD: 53.1836011545724,-2.61775726863236
- What3words: ///clenching.reset.trailer
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 53°10’47.11″,-2°36’52.01″
- DD: 53.179752,-2.614448
- What3words: ///hydration.betraying.paddock
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
Official Map of Circuit and Facilities
Official Details on Disabled Visitors Access
Shop
How to monetise this web site is an ongoing issue, but I do not want adverts as all they do is add to the coffers of the internet giants while detracting from the contents of these pages. I also don’t use cookies, which are often perceived as a means of stealing visitor’s personal data.
The answer, for now at least, is Print-On-Demand merchandise. The diagrams that are on these web pages have been created by myself and so I own the copyrights. From them, I have created a series of merchandise that can be bought by visitors to these pages.
RedBubble was chosen after my being confused while investigating such sites. This was one that I could understand, but not fully and so more updates are expected. The prices were also far more sensible than other retailers, mainly due to postage not being from the USA.
Merchandise available includes:
- T-Shirts
- Caps
- Bags
- Pillows
- Mugs
- Coasters
- Mouse Mats
- Desk Mats
- Pet Mats
- Stickers
- Tablet and Phone Cases
- Clocks
- Badges
Marshal Posts
Not all marshal posts are for the displaying of flags, whilst not all flag posts are necessarily in use. The minimum requirement is for each flag post having a clear view of the previous and following posts. The above link is to a page showing a large map of all flag posts on the circuit, along with a description of post.
It is important for the drivers to familiarise themselves with the location of all flag posts. This is usually done, for a race, on the green flag lap where drivers, having lined up on the grid in starting order, then set off and drive the circuit at a sensible and controlled pace that is set by either the pole-position person or a safety/course car. On that lap, every manned flag post displays a waved green flag, allowing the driver to memorise all positions. Memorising those posts in advance can be helpful. A similar display takes place for other sessions, such as qualifying, but the flags are only displayed long enough for cars that are released onto the circuit at the start of that session; latecomers need to have already done their research.
Track Limits
There are track limits sensors on the exit of the following corners:
- Old Hall
- Cascades
- Lodge
Extracted From MSV Briefing Notes:
You are permitted to drive on the track asphalt up to and including the white line, and on the full extent of any kerbs (marked red/white). However you are not permitted to put any wheel beyond the white lines or kerbs.
All trackdays and test days at MSV circuits are run in accordance with these new regulations. If anyone does not comply, the following actions will be taken by the circuit:
- 1st infringement: Black/white driving standards flag warning.
- 2nd infringement: Black flag, report to control tower. This is the final warning without penalty.
- 3rd infringement: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
- Further infringements: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
In the interest of practicality and expediency, decisions by MSV circuit staff will be final and there will be no right of appeal against any penalty or right to review evidence.
Paddock Facilities
Camping
I have seen tents raised in the following areas:
- On the grass at the side of the Chemical Toilet Waste at the south end of the paddock.
- On the small grassy area at the side of the Chemical Toilet Waste, which is by the petrol bay.
- The main area seems to be the grassy edge running down from the far north of the paddock, where scrutineering and showers are.
Showers and Toilets
Showers are to be found at the north end of the paddock. They are to the left of the large building that incorporates scrutineering. Toilets are also located here. More toilets can be found between Race Control and the garages. A further set of toilets in next to the Chequers Restaurant.
Waste
I found two points where chemical toilet waste can be disposed of. One is close to the Assembly Area, but further south, at the edge of the paddock. The other is just to the right of the petrol pump, when looking at the pumps from the garages. Also by these to points, oil can be disposed of.
Recycling
There are no recycling facilities.
Electricity
There are no electric points.
Water
The far end of the Scrutineering Bay, close to the shower/toilets has a single water tap. A set of three water taps can be found just north of the garages and podium. They are at the edge of the grassy area by the Medical Centre. There are a further three taps by the Chequers Restaurant at the south east corner of the building (to the right, as looking from the paddock).
Chequers Restaurant
The Chequers Restaurant is located at the south west corner of the paddock. It is at the other end of the paddock to the Assembly Area (south east of the paddock).
I asked for details including opening hours, but was told all details are changeable subject to the event that is in progress. From my own personal experience, it is usually open throughout test and race days. The means, whilst not cheap, are not too expensive and are usually tasty. The evening meals, from memory, usually begin at around 7pm.
Spectating Points
Follow the above link for more details, along with a map and photographs. In summary, there are three grandstands overlooking Old Hall, Knickerbrook and Lodge. There is a picnic area overlooking Cascades, with views to Knickerbrook and Clay Hill.
You can walk most of the inside of the circuit, from the pit exit all the way to Druids, and also from Warwick Bridge (the main entrance) to the pit entry. From the outside of the circuit, you can walk between the grandstands, from the last corner to the first.
Official Locations
| Signing On | For testing, try Race Admin the Chequers Restaurant, or the Fogarty Moss centre. Whilst the most likely, the Fogarty Moss centre is furthest, overlooking the entry to Cascades. To get there, walk to the north-west corner of Chequers Restaurant, then take the footpath south. You will see the Fogarty Moss centre on the left. For race day, try Race Admin. |
| Race Admin | Located at the north end of the garages, paddock-side. Looking at the garages from the paddock, north is left. Contains Race Control Media Centre Clerks Stewards Timekeepers |
| Race Control | Located at the north end of the garages, pit-lane side. Looking at the garages from the paddock, north is left. |
| Clerk of the Course | Admin Block |
| Timekeeping | Admin Block |
| First Aid | It is the separate building just to the north of the end of the garages (looking at the garages from the paddock, go to the left). |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | The north-west end of the paddock (looking at the garages from the paddock, go to the left). There is a T-shaped building. Scrutineering is to the right of the junction of the “T”‘s stem and arm. |
| Noise Test | If I remember correctly, this is either by fuel station or, for official sessions, on entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | Located to the south east of the paddock |
| Parc Ferme | Exiting the final corner, the pit lane entry is on the right, just after the brow. From there, parc ferme immediately to the left, opposite the start of the striped area of tarmac. This is the north-east end of the paddock, alongside scrutineering. |
| Pit Lane | During a test session, when heading for the pit lane after that session has started, entry is via either side of the garage block. From the north (left) end, turn right and pass the garage block and then obey marshals and traffic lights. From the south (right) end, turn right and pass the garage block and immediately obey marshals and traffic lights. If the session has ended, or been red-flagged, be prepared to return to the pits. |
| Starting Grid | The last place on the grid is almost immediately after Lodge Corner, so ensure a slow approach. The head of the grid is by Race Control building, by the start of the garage block, to the right. It is immediately after the white painted striped area that starts at pit entry and just after the start of the concrete section of the pit wall. |
Petrol Availability
Petrol is available on-site. The pump is located at the west side of the main paddock, opposite the centre of the pits. It is by a grassy island that has a couple of trees.
The closest petrol station, time-wise, from the circuit is around five minutes away. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is probably less than ten minutes away.
Saints of Tarporley Services Ltd
North West, 2.1 miles; 5 minutes
Forest Road,
Cotebrook,
Tarporley.
CW6 9EE.
Shell
North, 4.3 miles; 8 minutes
Chester Road,
Northwich.
CW8 2DX.
Race Reports
I have not raced on this configuration since starting this web site, therefore there are no reports for it.
YouTube Videos
I have not uploaded to YouTube any races on this configuration.
Information Pack
Here are the latest copies of all the personalised files that make up my Information Pack.
- Information Pack Header Sheet
- Timetable
- Motor Racing Checklist
- Lap Times Spreadsheet
- Getting There and Paddock
- Marshal Posts
- Corner Notes – Not yet available.
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Page updated by Peter Tattersall, August 2024