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Rounds 1&2 Oulton Park 22/24 March 2008

Monday 24th March 2008


The first race in a new car, with a new team and a new teammate, on a circuit that did not suit the Viper, was to be a challenge and a matter of damage limitation. Delays waiting for the arrival of a new sequential gearbox meant limited running prior to qualifying; Oliver’s teammate Nick Foster lined the car up in 11th place for Saturday’s race and Oliver placed the car 14th for Monday’s race with the highest placed viper in 10th place. Every lap in the car, Oliver got quicker as be adjusted to the new car, on the fast and narrow circuit where he took victory at the wheel of a Porsche 997 in the opening round of the championship in 2007.


Race 1

Nick made a good start and progressed through the field before handing to Oliver in p8 just before the half way point. The BRDC “rising star” wrestled the car up the 4th place behind the sister car of Paul O’neill but lost positions to Richard Williams and Allen Simonsen who were charging in the faster more nimble Porsche 997 and Ferrari 430. Oliver brought the car home in 6th place for well deserved points on a circuit that did not allow the big Dodge to stretch its legs.


Race 2

Oliver started Monday’s race and quickly made ground at the start, before settling into a rhythm ahead of the Jones brothers’ Ascari. Oliver passed the Viper of Aaron Scott before pitting and handing over to Nick. Unfortunately, Nick’s pace from Saturday’s race was not repeated and he struggled to lap competitively, finishing 9th just outside a points finish.

Next time out at Knockhill, Oliver will be hoping for stronger results to bank some points ahead of the Viper favouring circuits, Rockingham, Thruxton and Snetterton where the car should be unbeatable.

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