SV Racing is targeting another successful outing in the Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup and Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup on home turf at Cheshire’s scenic Oulton Park circuit (7-8 June).
Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, drivers and fans have a huge affection for the Oulton Park circuit due to its heady combination of fast-flowing, undulating bends and picturesque scenery.
The Wettenhall-based SVR team has been a regular feature on the podium in both the UK Clio Cup and GT4 Supercup this season and duly hopes to continue that dominance in front of its home fans with its drivers Josh Cook, Alex Morgan, Ant Whorton-Eales, Ash Hand and David Pittard.
Bristol’s Cook has been a stand-out performer in the opening three rounds of the UK Clio Cup, having stood on the podium in all but one race, twice on the top step in celebration of wins.
As a result, he sits atop the championship standings and is primarily focused on consolidating his points advantage at Oulton Park, a circuit he holds in high regard.
“I couldn’t be in a better position going to Oulton Park,” said Cook. “I’m leading the championship standings, but I don’t feel under any pressure as it’s still early on in the season and there’s a lot to play for. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car and hopefully onto the podium, but we’ll take each session as it comes.
“I love racing at Oulton Park as it’s such an awesome track due to its fast, flowing nature and I’m looking at bagging as many points as possible to consolidate my lead at the top of the standings. I didn’t feel I drove particularly well at Donington Park, but I came away with two race wins, so it shows anything can happen.”
Morgan held the championship initiative after two stellar race wins at Brands Hatch’s curtain-raiser, but has slipped back and wants to use his natural affinity for Oulton Park to reduce his 29-point deficit to points leader and KX Akademy stable-mate, Cook.
The Welshman has been a regular top-six finisher and recognises that consistency often wins championships, although the solicitor is now prepared to throw caution to the wind and be more self-focused to aid his title bid.
“I’ve always had good races and qualified well at Oulton Park,” said Morgan. “I always look forward to going back there and it’s one of my better circuits, as it’s full of big, ballsy corners and you have to be pretty brave. My challenging Thruxton weekend is behind me and I’m only interested in pushing on and getting podiums. I’m going to start taking more risks by going for the 50/50 overtakes, because I feel I’ve been a bit too cautious and have let people get the better of me on previous occasions. This year is all about focusing on myself, sticking the car in all the right places and making the most of every opportunity. I want the championship lead back!”
Pittard comes off the back of a stunning weekend at Thruxton, where he really stamped his authority with two race wins and a second place and sits second and within striking distance of Ginetta GT4 Supercup championship leader Andrew Watson in the points.
The 22-year old from Hertfordshire now has a taste for victory and hopes for more of the same at Oulton Park, but says it’s unrealistic to expect the same sort of dominance.
“Thruxton was one of those race weekends where absolutely everything came together and it would be unrealistic to expect the same to happen at Oulton Park,” said Pittard. “Those instances don’t come around very often so I’m going into this weekend with an open mind and broad expectations, as it’s still early doors in the season and it’s important to keep my feet on the ground. I targeted top fives at Thruxton and that turned out well so maybe that should be the target this time.
“Oulton Park is a fantastic circuit to drive with endless camber changes and its narrowness leaves no room for error. I’ve only ever driven the International layout and it’s epic fun. I had an opportunity to test there recently and was really able to push over and beyond what the car is capable of. There was no pressure and I used the day to comfortably work myself into the track, gaining some good information that I will analyse over the next few days. Because overtaking is quite difficult, the emphasis will be on maximising qualifying, getting to the front early and staying there.”
Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup qualifying is scheduled for 11.35 on Saturday (7 June), with Round 7 taking place from 16.35 that same day and Round 8 at 13.32 on Sunday (8 June).
Qualifying and the first of two Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup races are timetabled for 12.25 and 17.10 respectively on Saturday, with race two at 15.10 the following day (Sunday).
For more information on SV Racing, please visit the new www.svracing.co.ukwebsite, ‘like’ the team’s Facebook page or follow @SV_Racing on Twitter.