Over the winter Oulton Park have been busy making improvements these include:
- Replacement of wooden posts behind armco barriers at Lodge/Deer Leap, Old Hall to Avenue with metal posts which are more suitable and robust. Eventually all wooden armco posts will be replaced with steel ones.
- The tyre barrier towards Lakeside has been extended to nearer the observers box.
- The gravel trap at Druids has been increased from the access road at the exit of the corner where marshals/units have been parked, up to the Druids Out flag point. This will mean that marshals will no longer be able to park there at race meetings. Separate arrangements will be made for recovery units/medical teams and any snatch vehicles as to where to locate Marshals will be advised to park behind the barriers at Warwick Bridge and do the short walk to the post.
- Island bend will have a new surface laid down fairly soon, once the maintenance team have access to the circuit. Approximately 300m of tarmac will be replaced at the corner.
- The high kerb at Brittens has been ground down as well to minimise any potential damage to vehicles.
- The floppy markers at various posts have been replaced with ‘Abu Dhabi’ markers which are more robust yet remain flexible.
- A large area of grass on the exit of Cascades has been reseeded after completion of drainage works at the location.
- All the portaloos have been cleaned and made ready for the season.
- Anglesey is having the new lights systems installed over the winter period. I have not been able to inspect yet but will report back as soon as I can.
Finally, MSV the circuit owners have a new contract with Hyundai cars who have supplied course cars as well as school cars for Young Drive.
Note the medical car, safety car and course cars are all electric, so more diligence will be needed if trackside and in pits.
The circuit will also be getting new single seater cars – F4’s which will be rolled out during March and April.