Oulton Park will benefit from a raft of venue enhancements in 2015, with improvements made to the circuit itself and the viewing areas. Island Bend has been re-profiled to create a constant curve, with new kerbs installed, ahead of the British Touring Car Championship's return to the Island circuit layout this year. These alterations will reinforce Island Bend's status as one of the most exciting overtaking spots on the BTCC calendar. Spectators can enjoy spectacular views of the circuit from a brand new viewing bank overlooking Clay Hill, where it will be possible to watch cars or bikes summit the crest of the hill before rocketing down a short straight and darting into Druids, one of the fastest corners on the circuit. Additional developments include the modernisation of run-off areas between Island Bend and Knickerbrook, with the erection of new barriers, and resurfacing at key corners such as Old Hall and Cascades. A revamped drainage system has also been installed in the paddock to improve rainwater drainage. Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of circuit owner MSV, commented: "These improvements are good news for all visitors and competitors at Oulton Park. With the BTCC returning to the Island circuit for 2015, we've put a lot of effort into updating the track and kerbs on that section, to encourage overtaking moves there. We've also resurfaced several other key parts of the track, to ensure that the track is in great shape. "These track alterations, along with new spectator banks offering exciting views of Clay Hill and Druids, leave me in no doubt that this will be the best season yet to enjoy motorsport at Oulton Park."
You have to hand it to Dr JP, he's not been shy in investing in the circuits he owns for the benefit of all.
thats because all the money he maks from BSB has to go somewhere rather than the tax man..... looking forward to seeing the changes though
I hope they've improved the safety over Clay Hill while they were at it. If ever a place needed air fencing that's it! I love riding over there with it pinned but if it goes wrong that armco is going to hurt!
Can't believe they haven't improved the entry into Lodge! Bumpy as hell! But if last years improvements are anything to go by then all will be good with plenty of grip!
Absolutely love Oulton, can't wait to go back there this year. Just a shame it's such a trek to get there!
Hope there is as much grip as there used to be, i see many people on the TDR forum saying that when they did work at BH they made it very slippery, i know they are carrying out loads of resurface work at Donny too...
They did some changes same time last year Matt and were a big improvement including grip so no worries there .
Did one of the first trackdays at Oulton last year (7thFeb) after re-surfacing. Grip levels were fantastic! Shell Oils and Druids, although being new, different coloured tarmac, in your head it looked like less grip but in reality was much better. Just takes a little time to get your head round it.
It looks like the recent refurbishments will be worthwhile and we should give some credit to Mad Matt for his involvement and expertise in offering his services free of charge from the planning to the completion stage. What is strange is that it's 2015 and thousands of paying spectators are expected to stand on a wet grass bank to watch the chosen sport yes there has been refinancing and takeovers for the better but surly in the good times a few massive scaffold / board viewing areas can't have been the biggest deal in the world .
You can't beat natural banking for viewing areas Giv. Apart from the noise containing qualities there's also no excuse for charging extra as a constructed viewing platform most certainly would!
