- Duo of Julian Thomas and Calum Lockie make it four wins from five attempts at season‑ending Gold Cup at Oulton Park
- Alistair Dyson and Jamie Boot complete the podium in second and third respectively
- Today’s victory for Thomas and Lockie adds to wins at Donington Historic, Silverstone International Trophy and Le Mans Classic races
(Whitley, Coventry 30 August, 2016) ‑ Julian Thomas and driving partner Calum Lockie made it four wins from five races in the Jaguar Classic Challenge in 2016 as the duo won an epic race at the Oulton Park Gold Cup in glorious conditions. Hot on their heels in second place was Alistair Dyson followed by Jamie Boot in third, who also won the commentators’ ‘Driver of the Day’ award.
The final round at the Cheshire‑based circuit saw 20 of the finest classic racing Jaguars take to the grid with Lockie staring on pole position after setting the fastest lap during Saturday’s qualifying session.
The flag dropped and the race roared into life with Lockie – who would take the first stint of the 40‑minute race – diving to the inside line into Old Hall Corner with Martin Melling, Alistair Dyson and Jamie Boot right behind him. Lockie had to use all of his experience to hold of the chasing pack and the crowds were treated to a wonderful exhibition of driving.
Into the pits for the compulsory stop, Thomas took the baton from Lockie to bring the no.91 Jaguar E‑type home. Thomas quickly settled into a rhythm and continued to impress with his rapid pace and kept Alistair Dyson and Jamie Boot at bay.
It’s an amazing feeling to win here. Calum put in a tremendous effort in the first stint to set this victory up. It was very exciting, perhaps even more exciting than I expected in really tricky track conditions with car constantly on a knife‑edge.
Julian Thomas
For the first stint, the aim was to establish a solid lead and keep a consistent pace so that Julian could take over from me and bring the car home in first place. It was such fun and we are delighted to win here in the final race of the Jaguar Classic Challenge.
Calum Lockie
Speaking about the Jaguar Classic Challenge series, Thomas added:
It is friendly, fast, competitive and fun. There’s such a superb atmosphere and all the drivers and organisers are so welcoming and there’s a great feeling of camaraderie between all the drivers.
Julian Thomas
Class A was won by Andrew Moore in his XK150, followed by the team of husband‑and‑wife team of Chris and Claire Keith‑Lucas also in an XK150. Driving his Jaguar Mk1 saloon was Roger Cope who scooped Class B honours. Meanwhile in Class D, John Burton in his E‑type edged out Bob Binfield and the pairing of Peter Lanfranchi and Jaguar Classic Challenge debutant David Lanfranchi.
‑ ENDS ‑
