OULTON Park hosts its first event of the 2011 season on Saturday when the newly-launched Masters Historic Festival arrives at the Little Budworth race circuit.

The series presents a showcase of retro sports cars, saloons and single-seater machinery dating as far back as the 1950s with more than eight hours of track action – including six races – over the course of the day.

“We are delighted to start our campaign with a debut at Oulton Park,” said event spokesman James Beckett.

“Many Masters competitors never get the chance to race there so we’re really pleased to add something extra to their season.

“It should be a great day.”

The World Sportscar Masters series, including prototype sports cars raced at Le Mans and other famous endurance meetings in the 1960s and 70s, headlines on race day.

Among the vehicles lining up on the grid will be iconic marques such as Ferrari, Lola, Porsche and Alfa Romeo.

Former Formula 1 ace Roberto Moreno, veteran of 75 Grand Prix, has agreed to make a guest appearance too behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper S in the Pre-66 touring car race.

He last raced at Oulton Park in August 1982, finishing eighth in a British F3 Championship race in an Ralt RT3-Alfa Romeo.

“I have never raced on the full circuit nor in a Mini, so it will be whole new experience," said the Brazilian driver.

Classic Formula Fords and an Oldies but Goldies class for 1960s GT and touring cars complete the bill.

Admission for adults is £16 on the gate, while accompanied U12s enter free.


Access to the paddock is free.