Conquering Oulton Park: A Rainy Challenge and a Glorious Triumph with Lohen
Preparation and Modifications:
The anticipation was building as I geared up for another exhilarating race weekend at Oulton Park. With a collection of meticulously chosen modifications, support from Lohen, and a desire to push my limits, I was ready to conquer the track.
The recent additions to my car helped settle the nerves and helped me feel more equipped for the challenges ahead.
The camber top mounts had been installed, promising improved cornering capabilities. The pursuit of optimal performance led me to enhance my braking with EBC RPX Racing pads and a spanking new Lohen Brake Disc Kit.
Shedding weight for agility had also become a priority so I installed polycarbonate windows.
I knew I needed to get more from the slow-speed corners, so I installed a GFB Diverter Valve which helped me reach peak boost quicker than the original valve. Lohen has been testing this for GFB for a little while and will soon have it available.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the mailshot so you can get the latest news, products and releases.
At the previous event, I found going into the corners the back end was too soft and I prefer a stiffer feel and the rear to rotate and feel more playful. To achieve this in addition to the Alta rear anti-roll bar installed, I opted for a heavier spring rate of 8kg On the Ohlins opting for a more aggressive backend to allow the car to rotate.
With all of the modifications and necessary tweaks, I was ready for the warm-up sessions.
A Battle with the Elements:
As I arrived at Oulton Park, rain-soaked tarmac greeted me, setting the stage for a challenging warm-up session. In these slippery conditions, my choice of wet tyres Accelera 651’s proved to be a stroke of genius. The track demanded finesse and precision, a delicate balance between throttle and steering, but I was in my element. Despite the treacherous conditions, I emerged triumphant from the warm-up, laying the foundation for a promising day ahead.
The real test began with the first session, as I navigated the wet track, exploring the boundaries of grip reduction. There were moments of instability on the edge of control and a few difficulties, and although it wasn’t the position I wanted, I still managed to get a place on the podium.
Transition to Practice:
As the weather gradually turned drier, my confidence swelled. The practice sessions allowed me to embrace the evolving conditions and push my car to its limits. Opting to stick with the Accelera 651’s tyres, I navigated the drying track, battling the challenge of heat management. The gamble paid off, but with a 2-second deficit.
Accelara 651’s are a budget semi-slick tyre and I would’ve used Nankang AR1’s if the conditions were completely dry.
Accelara 651’s are street-legal race compound tyres with a semi-slick tread. With two main ribs, a water film breaker, and three directional grooves, the 651 Sport is engineered for precise handling and quick steering response, both on and off the track.
Nankang AR1 is a faster, more refined track tyre, with only one compound option and with all tyres being produced with 5.5mm tread depth, the AR1 is positioning itself among the greats of the track tyre market.
Qualifying Triumph and Misfire Woes:
Qualifying was the moment of truth, a chance to put my car to the test. The dry conditions were finally in my favour, allowing me to truly experience the improvements I had worked so hard for. The handling was noticeably improved, with rear-end rotation and controlled power delivery through slow-speed corners. However, misfire issues threatened to derail my ambitions. A tense battle with an engine misfire during a crucial hot lap forced me to adapt and shift gears prematurely. Despite the setback, I clinched a commendable P3 in qualifying.
Triumphant Conclusion:
The moments following the qualifying session were a whirlwind of diagnosing the misfire issue. I inspected the plugs for any tip damage or plug gap closure, and also inspected the colour of the spark plug for indications of a good air-fuel mixture. The coil packs were replaced for peace of mind and in the hope to rectify the misfire with the limited resources and time I had at the side of the track. Swift action was taken and I pushed ahead to the final race.
The final race was a true test of adaptability. A sudden rain shower dampened the track, presenting a tough choice between tyre options. The Accelera 651’s were my preference, proving their worth at the start of the session.
As the rain ceased and the track dried, AR1 runners had a chance to shine, yet I stuck with my choice, determined to make the most of it. My persistence paid off, and despite the sporadic weather and challenges, I secured my first podium - 3rd place at 1:39.821, only 3 seconds behind 1st place at 1:36.386.
The Road Ahead:
With Oulton Park conquered and a podium secured, my sights are now set on Donington. Armed with lessons learned, I'm prepared to tackle the challenges this renowned track presents. I’ve got dyno testing to tackle misfiring issues, and I need to tweak for an even more aggressive geometry setup. With a final addition of Lohen adjustable drop links to create a balance between the roll bars, achieve the optimal setup, and adjust them for how stiff I want them for each axle.
As Donington approaches, I'm reminded that the race is not just against fellow drivers, but against the unpredictable forces of nature and the clock. The dry forecast seems promising, but I remain vigilant and ready to adapt. With support from Lohen and determination from within, I approach each race with the knowledge and experience from before.
