CSCC Co-ordSport Tin Tops Oulton Park Report

With a capacity grid of nearly 40 cars, and the mixed weather conditions ensured that the Co-ordSport Tin Tops race would exiting as normal, as the series made its way to the stunning Cheshire circuit. Pole man Andrew Windmill made a bad start by his standards and was overtaken by the Peugeot 206 of father and son Colin, Steven and the Peugeot 106 of Martin Addison, with Windmill dropping to 3rd, as the whole field slotted into place around the near 3 mile international circuit. On lap 3, the Honda Civic of Chris Earle suffered engine failure, his second such failure in as many races, heading down the cascades. Having spun on his own oil as well as leaving oil on the track, the lead cars were soon upon it, totally unaware of the oil due to no slippery surface flags been shown at this time. The marshals were also unaware of the oil, resulting in some drastic action by the lead group, with the Simpson Peugeot suffering a high speed spin and the others taking to the grass.

The Honda Integra of Nigel Ainge made an early pit stop soon after the pit window opened, handing over to the ever quick Danny Cassar, who did not disappoint. The lead Civic of Windmill then pitted from the lead position but, as at Silverstone the car failed to start and by the time they managed to get the car started, they had dropped down the order. Meanwhile Danny Cassar was setting fasted lap after fastest lap and was soon into contention, taking the lead on lap 11, beginning to pull away from the rest of the field in what was a stunning drive. Andrew Windmill had made up places after the interrupted pit stop but unfortunately the Honda had mechanical issues in sight of the chequered flags he pulled into the pits. Had Andrew known it was the last lap he would have stayed out and taken the chequered flag! Shaun Ely in the Peugeot 205 showed good pace throughout good pace throughout, finishing 13th overall, but first in class F.

CSCC veteran Mark Livens picked up some deserved silverware finishing 5th overall and 3rd in class. The Simpson duo of Colin and Steve battled back through the field after their high speed spin at Casscades earlier in the race to finish a fantastic 2nd overall, bit it was the pairing of Nigel Ainge and Danny Cassar in the Honda Integra that took the chequered flag, with a lead of over 1 minute from the rest of the field.