Viewing at Oulton Park

[Mike Harte]

Would one of you knowledgeable chaps be able to tell me where the best place to spectate is at Oulton. My sons, grandchildren and I are attending the BTCC weekend, and suggestions for the best spots for both days would be really appreciated. And would you know if paddock access is possible on the Saturday?

TIA.

[SouthportFC Fan]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Would one of you knowledgeable chaps be able to tell me where the best place to spectate is at Oulton. My sons, grandchildren and I are attending the BTCC weekend, and suggestions for the best spots for both days would be really appreciated. And would you know if paddock access is possible on the Saturday?

TIA.

Everyone will have their favourite spots, so you'll probably get told to watch from every corner.

My personal favourite is Lodge.

[Woolley]

A vey long time since I spectated, but friends of mine like the banking at Cascades below the Fogarty Moss centre as it gives them quite a large field of view. Close to facilities as well.

[saaben]

Cross over the track at the Clay Hill footbridge and you are virtually on top of the cars as they exit Knickerbrook.

[Sam Collinson]

My Dad and I would usually go to Knickerbrook, just down from Hilltop, as you get a great view of the Avenue, Cascades, Lakeside straight, and them coming down to Knickerbrook, and disappearing off up Clay Hill.

[Slipstick]

That's covered my favourite spots, top of Cascades or on the hill overlooking Knickerbrook. But to be honest on the rare day when I am spectating I usually wander all round the circuit to try everywhere. To my mind the only disadvantage of marshalling is being stuck in one place all day.

OTOH I've never tried it at a BTCC meeting when the place is packed solid.

Steve

[spooksman]

Normally my wife would spectate on the raised section at Knickerbrook on the Hilltop side of the track - that gives a great view all the way down Avenue and around Cascades, along Lakeside, down from Hilltop and through the chicane. However I noticed yesterday that they have now erected a new Grandstand at Knickerbrook just at that place - I guess you'd still be able to pitch up in front of that as it is fairly raised, but space would now be more restricted.

On BTCC days she moves over to the banking at Cascades - as was said, that is near the facilities and in the centre of the track, so good for pit access etc. Remember that they usually put up a HUGE TV screen at Cascades for the BTCC crowds to watch the live coverage, so you won't be able to see down Lakeside unless to get your position 'right'.

I believe there is a pit walkabout on the Sunday and yes, it can be VERY busy, making getting out a bit of a challenge.

I hope they have a great time.

[Mike Harte]

Thanks everyone for your responses so far, but please keep them coming. It's 50 years or so since I last visited Oulton, and something tells me that it's changed somewhat in that time. The blast up to the hairpin was almost as good as the Norwich Straight, if only it could have been a bit longer.

[Mark Mitchell]

ITV 4 will have the best view!

[Slipstick]

Originally Posted by Mark Mitchell

ITV 4 will have the best view!

And it's even better when you've recorded it and can whizz past the boring bits.

Steve

[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Thanks everyone for your responses so far, but please keep them coming. It's 50 years or so since I last visited Oulton, and something tells me that it's changed somewhat in that time. The blast up to the hairpin was almost as good as the Norwich Straight, if only it could have been a bit longer.

I've been going there for 50 years or so, as spectator, competitor and (very occasional) marshal, and apart from the Britten's chicane after Shell (which I don't think BTCC use, as they normally use Island) and of course the "complex" at Knicker Brook, I don't think the circuit has changed much......

As said a few more grandstands, and recently the bridge has opened to get over the start straight to get outside Lodge, but all the viewing places are relatively unchanged. Like many above overlooking Cascades / Knicker Brook from either inside or outside the track are my usual places, tho if we are racing a quick nip out of the paddock to watch overlooking Lodge is usually interesting. Inside of Druid's has been opened up to spectating too, now, so really you can get to most parts of what I still regard as one of the UK's best circuits.

Might go there for the GTs this Monday.......

[Mike Harte]

Can I thank everybody, again, for taking the trouble to reply. It is much appreciated.

[Mike Harte]

Thanks again to all who recommended viewing spots.

Spent Saturday getting broiled whilst watching from Cascades on Saturday; we are all now a fashionable lobster red. A decision was take to set up camp early on Sunday morning under a big tree overlooking Hislops, which afforded us great shade and a respite from the heat, whilst also a good spot to view from. All in all, a great weekend apart from watching Lancashire walk all over Yorkshire on Friday evenings 20-20 match at the Old Trafford. (Mind you, it was good fun, and the crowd was lively even if they were somewhat biased.)