Electric Cars

Oulton Park recently hosted the inaugural Cheshire Cats event by the Classic Sports Car Club, drawing considerable attention to a diverse collection of Jaguar automobiles. The gathering featured both dynamic racing action and special exhibition runs, spotlighting some of the marque's most celebrated and uniquely customized models. The event highlighted the enduring appeal and engineering prowess associated with the Jaguar brand, alongside competitive races involving various classic and modern performance cars.

A focal point of the exhibition was the revered Jaguar XJR-9, the victor of the 1988 Le Mans race. This particular vehicle, chassis 488, holds a significant place in motorsport history, having broken Porsche's dominance at Le Mans. Jock Howe, one of the drivers tasked with demonstrating the car, articulated the immense sense of responsibility that comes with piloting such a valuable and historically rich machine. The 1988 triumph was especially dramatic, with driver Jan Lammers skillfully managing to finish the race despite the car being stuck in fourth gear for the final 40 minutes, a challenge he was forewarned about by teammate Raul Boesel, whose sister car had suffered a similar gearbox failure earlier in the event. After its single, unforgettable race finish, the XJR-9 was entrusted to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust for preservation and display.

Another star was Stephen Dowell's bespoke Jaguar XKR, distinguished by its classic Martini livery and a suite of high-performance modifications. Dowell's XKR showcases a state-of-the-art 8HP gearbox conversion, a popular aftermarket enhancement lauded for improving shift speed, driving dynamics, and fuel efficiency. Dowell himself considers this modification the most impactful, instilling a sense of excitement and pride every time he drives. The event also marked the first opportunity for the car to utilize paddle shifters, a feature typically restricted by racing regulations. Further engineering marvels include a supercharged Range Rover SVR engine conversion and a uniquely designed eight-into-one collector exhaust, producing a distinct auditory experience. Strategic repositioning of the engine and gearbox, along with a lower-mounted fuel tank, contribute to optimized balance and weight distribution. Despite unfortunate mechanical issues cutting short Dowell's qualifying and race sessions, his XKR undeniably captivated spectators, underscoring his reputation more as an engineer than a racer.

The 'Powered by Jaguar Race' was a melting pot of competition, uniting Modern and Future Classics. The race unfolded with Jaguars leading the initial charge, followed by a varied field of classic vehicles. Mark Chilton, driving a Nissan Skyline GT-R, showcased remarkable speed, relentlessly pursuing the Jaguar contingent. Meanwhile, an intense struggle for second place ensued within the Jaguar group between Tom Lenthall's XJS and Andrew Harper's S-Type R, a contest resolved by a bold maneuver from Lenthall. The mandatory pit stop added a layer of strategic complexity, leading to driver changes, including Tom Robinson taking over from his brother Jack. As the race resumed, Chilton's Skyline dominated, securing a commanding victory with a substantial lead. Though Craig Denman in his Lotus Elise fought valiantly for second, he ultimately fell short. Geoff Beale delivered an impressive performance in his Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, earning him the distinction of 'best of the rest.'

Beyond the Jaguar-centric events, the Ramair BMW Championship delivered equally compelling racing. The second race, in particular, was a highlight, as Class A leader Niall Bradley aimed to clinch the title in his M3 E46. After securing a hard-fought second place in the first race, behind Nathan Wells, Bradley needed a third-place finish or higher to seal the championship. In a mirrored start to the previous race, Bradley initiated an aggressive move into Old Hall, seizing the lead. Wells consistently pressured Bradley throughout, until engine temperature issues, caused by dirty air on the final lap, forced him to ease off. This allowed Bradley to cross the finish line as both race winner and champion, concluding a thrilling weekend of motorsport.

Aprilia racer Marco Bezzecchi recently opened up about the profound mental and physical toll a challenging two-month stretch in MotoGP took on him, admitting that it led to a period of intense overthinking. Despite a series of setbacks, including multiple crashes and injuries, Bezzecchi managed to stage a remarkable return at the British Grand Prix, securing two podium finishes. His candid reflections highlight the psychological pressures athletes face and the importance of a strong support system in overcoming adversity.

The difficulties for the Aprilia rider began at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where a first-lap collision with teammate Jorge Martin prematurely ended his race. Still grappling with the aftermath, Bezzecchi crashed during the Brno sprint, expressing his frustration by striking a marshal, which resulted in his suspension from the Czech GP. Even as his team, Aprilia, began to show improved performance at Assen, Bezzecchi continued to struggle, culminating in a high-speed crash during the main race. A further incident during German GP qualifying led to another double injury, ultimately landing him in the hospital. This series of unfortunate events significantly impacted his physical well-being and mental state, pushing him to confront personal doubts and anxieties.

Bezzecchi had previously described his recovery from two operations at home and the lingering pain he experienced upon his return at the British Grand Prix. However, his recent statements provide deeper insight into the psychological burden of his injuries and the persistent lack of favorable outcomes. When questioned about moments of self-doubt during these arduous months, he confessed, “It was tough.” He recalled the promising start at Balaton after Mugello, where despite his struggles, he delivered commendable performances, especially in the sprint race where he achieved a podium finish. Yet, the subsequent main race, marked by a critical error and a severe crash, left him with a minor injury, setting off a chain of increasingly challenging events.

The Italian rider detailed the succession of setbacks: his own misjudgment at Brno, followed by the significant crash at Assen, which, despite causing only one broken rib, left his entire body feeling devastated. Then came Sachsenring, where, despite feeling competitive, another error led to dual injuries. Bezzecchi acknowledged this as an incredibly difficult period but expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support from his family, friends, and the VR46 academy staff, particularly Valentino Rossi, and most notably, his dedicated team. He emphasized that during such trying times, “many, many things come through your mind and it's difficult to stop thinking.” However, he noted the transformative effect of putting on his helmet, describing it as akin to wearing earplugs, allowing him to block out external pressures and focus on the race.

Despite persistent weakness in his upper body and limited knee mobility, Bezzecchi demonstrated remarkable resilience at the British GP. He managed to secure a spot on the second row of the grid during qualifying, a feat he then translated into two impressive podium finishes. This marked his first top-three result in a Sunday race since Mugello in late May, propelling him to second place in the overall standings, albeit 31 points behind Martin. Bezzecchi reflected on his return, stating, “It was a very good comeback overall.” He acknowledged the demanding period following Mugello and throughout the summer break, but affirmed that it was now in the past. He praised the collective effort, noting, “We never gave up and now we made a good comeback.” He expressed his intention to prioritize rest and physical recovery, recognizing that his physical condition was a significant missing piece. Bezzecchi concluded by expressing his deep satisfaction and pride, dedicating his achievements to his team and Aprilia, and acknowledging the motivation he draws from competitors like Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez.