Justin Maeers claimed victory in the first of the two Historic Grand Prix Car Association races at the Oulton Park Gold Cup this afternoon (Saturday). Maeers led home Rudi Friedrichs to secure an early advantage in the two-part Historic Gold Cup, with the circuit’s signature prize being awarded to the aggregate winner following race two on Sunday.
Maeers benefitted from the misfortune of early race leader Sam Wilson, who made a good getaway to lead in the early stages at the wheel of his Lotus 18. Wilson dropped out after six laps though, leaving Maeers to drive home to victory.
There will still work to do at the front however, with the leading Brabham BT11A driver keeping a watchful eye on the Cooper T53 of Friedrichs behind. He held his advantage until the end though, eventually crossing the line 4.469s clear of his rival.
Friedrichs headed a group of Coopers home with Charlie Martin in third from Tony Lees in fourth. Philipp Buhofer completed the top-five at the wheel of his BRM, just over 47 seconds behind the leader.
Other race winners included Samuel Harrison in the first of the weekend’s two Historic Formula 3 races, whilst Kevin Kivlochan was twice victorious in the John Whitmore Trophy at the wheel of his Shelby Cobra. Another winner was rapid Historic Formula Junior racer Horatio Fitz-Simon, whilst Mike Gardiner and Dan Cox enjoyed Jack Sears Trophy victory in their shared Lotus Cortina.
Paul Mensey and Michael Lyons won the final race of the day – the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy contest for retro touring cars. The duo won the 50-minute contest at the wheel of a Ford Sierra RS500.
Historic Grand Prix Car Association, Oulton Park Gold Cup, Race 1
- Justin Maeers, Brabham BT11A
- Rudi Friedrichs, Cooper T53, +4.469s
- Charlie Martin, Cooper T53, +23.674s
- Tony Lees, Cooper T53, +41.084s
- Philipp Buhofer, BRM P261-2, +47.675s
- Tom Waterfield, Cooper T43/51, +1m00.450s
- Rod Jolley, Cooper T53, +1m04.659s
- John Spiers, Maserati 250F, 1m11.911s
- Nick Fennell, Lotus 32, +1m24.646s
- Andrea Stortoni, Lotus 18, +1m31.084s
The Gold Cup returns for another day’s action on Sunday (30 July) with a nine-race programme. Off-track activities will continue throughout the final day of the meeting too, including car displays, vintage live music, and other retro themed activities.
Sunday tickets will be available on the gate. Under-13s go free.