Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Oulton Park RS Track Day for Porsche owners. The weather forecast said it was going to be overcast all day, and taking the wind chill factor into account, the temperatures would feel around zero or just above. Nothing could have been further from the truth, it was gloriously sunny, and at worst it was a bit hazy. For once the forecasters got it wrong, in the right way.
After sign-on, it was up to the paddock to see who was there, and who had brought what car to thrash around the beautiful Cheshire race track. There was a wider than usual selection of cars, from an early 911 right through to the very latest 991 GT3 RS, and there were three of them…what a spectacle! Although spectating was free, there were very few members of the public at the Oulton Park RS Track Day, but those who made the effort were treated to a good day’s viewing, for no money. What a bargain.
The first car that caught my attention in the paddock was Steve Kings gorgeous 993 RS, a car I have written up and featured not that long ago in Total 911 magazine. The cars were on track for the whole day apart from a lunch hour, when the drivers and their guests all headed for the circuit café, to discuss driving strategy and no doubt plan their assault for the afternoon session.
The Oulton Park circuit must rank as one of the prettiest in the UK, and catching such a wide range of 911s, Caymans, Boxsters, and a pair of 968s, hustling round Lodge Corner in the early morning sunshine. Over the day, there must have been around 30 cars on track, all being driven with varying levels of experience and style.
Later in the day I was chatting to Dave Whelan, the proud owner of a brand spanking new 991 GT3 RS. I recall when Dave told me, while on a trip to beautiful Ireland, that he had ordered this car. And I thought WOW, I would love to see that when it arrived! Well, yesterday I did. And not only that, he asked if I wanted to go to the local services with him to fill it up. Did I indeed?? Even though it was down country lanes, the experience was amazing, and showed me just how civilised the car is. If you could manage getting in and out of those racing bucket seats, it would make a perfectly acceptable everyday car. Of course, not that one would do that, but still… Next year I will definitely come armed with a helmet for a prearranged circuit ride!
The day ended too soon, because a three and three-quarter hour drive back home lay ahead of me, but at least I could drive home listening to my favourite music (CSN&Y, Carole King, America, Mark Knopfler, etc…), with pleasant memories of a day well spent.
(Note: A big thank you to Mel Spear from the PCGB who helped with vehicle identification. Also a big thank you to Dave Whelan from the Porsche Club of Ireland for the passenger ride in his new GT3 RS during this Oulton Park RS Track Day!) – and have a look for more pics on our website
Written by: Glen Smale
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