So, what did everyone think?
I was there for all three days of this so called "signature event". The car park between Deer Leap and Old Hall seemed much less busy than usual on all three days. In the past I have had to park near the campsite on at least one day. There seemed plenty of spectator cars in the centre but to me it didn't seem that busy.
The two Historic Grand Prix Car Association races were a great addition with some iconic machinery and good racing. Formula Junior is a regular at the Gold Cup and there was a good field but a dominant winner (well done Horatio!). The Aurora field was a bit thin.
The VSCC contingent seemed a bit out of place.
I didn't see any on track displays or demos and there wasn't much in the way of "star" drivers from the world of F.1 and WEC.
I shouldn't say this but the entry fee for spectators was much cheaper than Goodwood or the Classic maybe leading people to think it wasn't as good. I understand entry fees were high and I know of a few potential competitors who didn't bother.
Maybe part of the problem is lack of promotion. Everyone has heard of Goodwood. The Classic is quite well known. The Oulton Gold Cup needs promoting, no-one outside the enthusiast sector has heard of it!!
I was planning to go to Oulton on Saturday 6th Aug to see the HSCC classes that didn't feature at the Gold Cup. But there is no FF2000 or Historic F.3 "screamers" and the entry list is very disappointing e.g. only three Classic F.3s and very few "regulars" in Historic Formula Ford 1600.
In summary, it was much cheaper than Goodwood or Classic but not as good. Some things were better than before, others didn't work so well. I enjoyed it though and will go next year - it is held on the best UK circuit after all!