I live in Texas and have been fortunate enough to have great friends that live 10 minutes from Oulton Park. The past 2 years I have attended British GT Series during Easter. I love this place.
First started to go to Oulton Park in the early 1960s when I was at School to Watch the Motorbike racing, no one had a car, so we used to catch the Crossville bus from Warrington, it was nice to see one on the video! more often than not the queue to enter the circuit started down near the entrance to Coach road just off the main Tarpoley Road. it was quicker to walk down! even in the 60s the track was tree lined but over the years safety meant the trees disappeared! , I have lost count of the visits we have made to Oulton! I remember going one time at Easter and it snowed! I have some wonderful memories of my visits and I've seen some of the best riders ever! it's changed somewhat and been extended a little , but what a wonderful place it is! If you ever listen to Blaster Bates and he tells the tale of how KNicker Brook got it's name LOL
Fascinating video. Thank you. It’s remarkable how much of the circuit is instantly recognisable still today. Even Range Corner still exists, although it’s now a service road and is occasionally used as part of a rally stage with water splash. As I write this the Historic Gold Cup was last weekend and many of the type of cars shown in this video (particularly the 500’s) were racing.
This is one of my favourite tracks in sim racing. Just reminds us how dangerous motor racing was with trees and spectators so close to the circuit. Personally I like the short fosters layout no sooner you are out of one turn you are going into the next it's so intense and makes for great racing.
I raced saloon cars there a few times during the 80's and 90's. Thankfully the trees had gone and there was plenty of run off. I remember Knickerbrook before there was a chicane on the approach. Daunting but satisfying. Great commentary by Raymond Baxter. Fantastic! My favourite circuit.
Amazing video. Now understand why the bit between Old Hall and Cascades was still called The Avenue even after the trees has gone. Knickerbrook by the way was where the extension he was referring to rejoined the track. No longer used sadly, as it proved unsafe for cars.
Oulton Park is still used and Knickerbrook is the right hand turn just before Clay Hill. Due to the number of fatal accidents there (Bob Mac to Paul Warwick) a chicane was put in just before it called Hizzy's, named after the late great Steve Hislop.
@@stevored1989 I know, I was there when they named it. I was also at Donington for Superbike practice and saw Hizzy break the absolute lap record, faster than 500cc GP record at the time.
@@troy45uk Correctamundo, from his first and probably best album 'Laughter With A Bang' There's a couple of rip-snorter stories on it, one of my personal favourites being 'The Shower Of S__t Over Cheshire' 😂😂😂
I used to go there in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A fabulous circuit and I think motor racing then was far more exciting than now because it was so relatively new. I still love rallying but circuit racing seems to have lost its glitter somehow. Doinigton and Mallory park were my favourites .
Would love to see this version of ‘Ooolton’ in a computer game, Automobilista 2 for example, complete with period correct avenues of trees and men with massive trousers!
What a wonderful historical record. It's good to know those trees add some beauty and a place for the cameraman, they are even good for killing drivers! I imagine just after the war there wasn't a huge concern for safety.
plenty of trees to ensure competitors can't go too far off track and a drive in the park compared to being bombed at 3 o'clock in the morning or shot down over Normandy !
I also thought I was hearing things. He did say lsd.....although Mr Baxter wasn't referring to Limited Slip Differential (!!!!) but rather the pre decimal British money, Pounds, Shillings & Pence, (£sp) often written as lsd & pronounced ellesdee.
Proved to be a deadly circuit, and particularly for then 33 year old Bob Mcintyre, who was the first to ever set a 100mph Lap of the TT Course. Acknowledgment to WikiPedia : McIntyre still competed in non-championship events, and it was at one such event at Oulton Park, Cheshire in August 1962 that he won the 250 cc race, and then started in the 500 cc race on his Manx Norton. After a bad start in poor conditions, he fought his way to the front before aquaplaning across a stream of water, losing control and crashing into a post holding an advertising sign, sustaining serious head injuries. After nine days in hospital he died. However a great circuit today and much safer.
@@markholroyde9412 Or maybe just not stupid enough to be unaware that there is only one accident per customer if you go off at speed and hit a tree/stump, post, etc, etc. The ones with little regard for their safety go rallying in turbo rocketships.
@@phildavenport4150 Just stay away if you are scared, easy,.... stop playing "Mother Hen" with other folks concerns its none of your business to play "safety police"🤣
@@markholroyde9412 I've had my share of offs, including in the 60s and 70s when there was plenty of hard stuff to hit if you were unlucky. Didn't stop me or my mates. And if you don't like my comments, please perform the appropriate actions with yourself.
Wtf, since when was it called"Ooton Park"? (Gawds help this commentator if he ever has to go a couple of miles down the road to Lower Peover or Cholmondeley!)
It’s the late, great Raymond Baxter - an icon of motorsport. Murray Walker was in effect his successor. They are both held in high regard by many. Baxter was so well known as a commentator that he even did commentary on the (supposed) Monte Carlo Rally for an episode of Hancock’s Half Hour radio comedy!
Yes, the track turned right at the start of Cascades in front of the lake that is there today and rejoined where the track rises on the straight from Knickerbrook to Clay Hill. Its easier to see on Google Maps/ Earth.
Sorry to be pedantic, but it isn't a chair. If it is a chair, the seat must be less than four inches long, as that's how close his heels are to the face. Oh, and it doesn't have four 'legs'.
Not many options sadly with the lack of run-off at the old Knicker Brook corner. You’ve literally got a short gravel pit, a wall then a road literally right behind it 🙁
This was my local circuit. First went there with my father in 1956.
Great historic footage of a very cool circuit. I visited it last summer for the first time. Even walked on the old Range Corner 😀
instablaster...
I live in Texas and have been fortunate enough to have great friends that live 10 minutes from Oulton Park. The past 2 years I have attended British GT Series during Easter. I love this place.
Hell yeah
First started to go to Oulton Park in the early 1960s when I was at School to Watch the Motorbike racing, no one had a car, so we used to catch the Crossville bus from Warrington, it was nice to see one on the video! more often than not the queue to enter the circuit started down near the entrance to Coach road just off the main Tarpoley Road. it was quicker to walk down! even in the 60s the track was tree lined but over the years safety meant the trees disappeared! , I have lost count of the visits we have made to Oulton! I remember going one time at Easter and it snowed! I have some wonderful memories of my visits and I've seen some of the best riders ever! it's changed somewhat and been extended a little , but what a wonderful place it is! If you ever listen to Blaster Bates and he tells the tale of how KNicker Brook got it's name LOL
Fascinating video. Thank you. It’s remarkable how much of the circuit is instantly recognisable still today. Even Range Corner still exists, although it’s now a service road and is occasionally used as part of a rally stage with water splash. As I write this the Historic Gold Cup was last weekend and many of the type of cars shown in this video (particularly the 500’s) were racing.
by jove these chaps aren't hanging about. I love the English commentary from post war events. thanks for posting.
Harry Enfield : Women - Know your limits.
The narrator sounds like the great Raymond Baxter.
Oulton Park and Brands Hatch are my two favorite circuits in England. They are both even today great challenges to drive.
Oulton is my favourite with Cadwell a close second. Donington is great too especially down Craner Curves.
Raymond Baxter's accent would have shattered paving stones. Soooo very cut glaaasrss.
This is one of my favourite tracks in sim racing. Just reminds us how dangerous motor racing was with trees and spectators so close to the circuit. Personally I like the short fosters layout no sooner you are out of one turn you are going into the next it's so intense and makes for great racing.
I raced saloon cars there a few times during the 80's and 90's. Thankfully the trees had gone and there was plenty of run off. I remember Knickerbrook before there was a chicane on the approach. Daunting but satisfying. Great commentary by Raymond Baxter. Fantastic! My favourite circuit.
The comment about a “ Norton Double Knocker” refers to a 500cc Manx Norton double overhead cam engine.
Or my ex-wife.
I've raced many times at this fab track. Still one of my favourites! Love seeing this original footage.
Those trees are really freaking me out!
No mention of the corner named as a result of my old friend, Blaster working there.
Knicker brook.
Explain?
Ah, yes, the late great Mr Bates. Much missed.
I have that on a record, draws on the deck shelll pink, both legs down on hole. Lol
@@Stratoszero See here .... ruclips.net/video/ejHT9olA_Uo/видео.html
@@esuohdica Bloody brilliant, thankyou.
astonishing footage and picture quality
VERY interesting from an historical standpoint, the VAST differences a mere 60 years have made.
Amazing video. Now understand why the bit between Old Hall and Cascades was still called The Avenue even after the trees has gone. Knickerbrook by the way was where the extension he was referring to rejoined the track. No longer used sadly, as it proved unsafe for cars.
Oulton Park is still used and Knickerbrook is the right hand turn just before Clay Hill. Due to the number of fatal accidents there (Bob Mac to Paul Warwick) a chicane was put in just before it called Hizzy's, named after the late great Steve Hislop.
@@stevored1989 I know, I was there when they named it. I was also at Donington for Superbike practice and saw Hizzy break the absolute lap record, faster than 500cc GP record at the time.
And the BBC stopped using it as a camera position when they found out how the corner got it's name 😂😂😂
@@TheDriller-Killertale from Blaster Bates? 😉
@@troy45uk Correctamundo, from his first and probably best album 'Laughter With A Bang'
There's a couple of rip-snorter stories on it, one of my personal favourites being 'The Shower Of S__t Over Cheshire' 😂😂😂
I think the voice is Raymond Baxter. He of "Tomorrows World "
And Spitfire pilot.
Indeed its him unmistakble voice. He flew Mk9 s in Scottland squadrons.
I used to go there in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A fabulous circuit and I think motor racing then was far more exciting than now because it was so relatively new. I still love rallying but circuit racing seems to have lost its glitter somehow. Doinigton and Mallory park were my favourites .
Would love to see this version of ‘Ooolton’ in a computer game, Automobilista 2 for example, complete with period correct avenues of trees and men with massive trousers!
Great movie from a golden era!
Great nostalgic video of a fab circuit, thanks for posting. Happy 60th Oulton
Those motorcicle rear engine sigleseaters were amazing..
Amazing footage!
Excellent. Glad they have cut those helpful tress down nowadays though.
Handy they got rid of that building at the top of Clay Hill too 😮
This is how all tracks should be built. Just lay the road where ever and following the lay of the land. Just ensure that there's some passing spots.
Great video, thanks for uploading
Greeting from Ukraine. Watching this footage while translating Oulton Park history
What a wonderful historical record. It's good to know those trees add some beauty and a place for the cameraman, they are even good for killing drivers! I imagine just after the war there wasn't a huge concern for safety.
Such cool footage!
Much appreciate for this 👊🏻✊🏻👍🏻
Good to see some old footage of Jim Blockey from Stroud racing around Oulton Park.
Excellent videos guys thanks, happy 60th Oulton
First went in 1968, fab times !
A double knocker Norton,by Jove
this is amazing
Great vid!
Fantastic track, also online 😊
All those trees just waiting to claim someone.
my fav track in ACC )))
“and to those of you who did well, and you know who you are, well done...”
love it 2017 it's so different
Tally Ho! Chocks away! Tifin! Cucumber sandwiches, everything stops for tea, Jeeves, pour the tea!
Yes, 'sat' on his feet!
plenty of trees to ensure competitors can't go too far off track and a drive in the park compared to being bombed at 3 o'clock in the morning or shot down over Normandy !
My local circuit
'Big time LSD'
I thought I was hearing things. "Big time what?"
I also thought I was hearing things. He did say lsd.....although Mr Baxter wasn't referring to Limited Slip Differential (!!!!) but rather the pre decimal British money, Pounds, Shillings & Pence, (£sp) often written as lsd & pronounced ellesdee.
andrew fox Absolutely spiffingly described old bean!!
Yahhhh! Ooo-ton park old bean!
“Hey you 2 numnutz, get off that corner, or you be dead! 1:55
Proved to be a deadly circuit, and particularly for then 33 year old Bob Mcintyre, who was the first to ever set a 100mph Lap of the TT Course.
Acknowledgment to WikiPedia :
McIntyre still competed in non-championship events, and it was at one such event at Oulton Park, Cheshire in August 1962 that he won the 250 cc race, and then started in the 500 cc race on his Manx Norton. After a bad start in poor conditions, he fought his way to the front before aquaplaning across a stream of water, losing control and crashing into a post holding an advertising sign, sustaining serious head injuries. After nine days in hospital he died.
However a great circuit today and much safer.
Is that fly deflecter on the bonnet? I say whizzo
Look
We have trees
😳😳
3:01 Hope and prey you don't go off course here into the half knocked down building. 😯😮
These people were born before 1990...everyone after that are just scared kittens...
@@markholroyde9412 Or maybe just not stupid enough to be unaware that there is only one accident per customer if you go off at speed and hit a tree/stump, post, etc, etc. The ones with little regard for their safety go rallying in turbo rocketships.
@@phildavenport4150 Just stay away if you are scared, easy,.... stop playing "Mother Hen" with other folks concerns its none of your business to play "safety police"🤣
@@markholroyde9412 I've had my share of offs, including in the 60s and 70s when there was plenty of hard stuff to hit if you were unlucky. Didn't stop me or my mates. And if you don't like my comments, please perform the appropriate actions with yourself.
Wtf, since when was it called"Ooton Park"?
(Gawds help this commentator if he ever has to go a couple of miles down the road to Lower Peover or Cholmondeley!)
You owe him a great deal,look him up,and what he did!
It’s the late, great Raymond Baxter - an icon of motorsport. Murray Walker was in effect his successor. They are both held in high regard by many. Baxter was so well known as a commentator that he even did commentary on the (supposed) Monte Carlo Rally for an episode of Hancock’s Half Hour radio comedy!
Cascades as a right-hander?
Yes, the track turned right at the start of Cascades in front of the lake that is there today and rejoined where the track rises on the straight from Knickerbrook to Clay Hill. Its easier to see on Google Maps/ Earth.
Raymond Baxter's commentary
1968 350 Manx Grand Prix
Sorry to be pedantic, but it isn't a chair.
If it is a chair, the seat must be less than four inches long, as that's how close his heels are to the face. Oh, and it doesn't have four 'legs'.
Its a little different now :P
Don't worry chaps, if he loses control the trees will save him.
oohton paak
Fantastic circuit spoilt by the modern trend of introducing chicans
Not many options sadly with the lack of run-off at the old Knicker Brook corner. You’ve literally got a short gravel pit, a wall then a road literally right behind it 🙁
5.35 THE NORTH COUNTRY HOW PATRONISING!
Thank god we don't talk like that any more.
will eventually be sold off to build a mosque
HAHA
Well its still there as a racing curcuit
Seems to be still there ...
I'd like to see how this comment continues to age😅
This is mad
Great video, thanks! And Happy Birthday Oulton :-)