THOUSANDS of race enthusiasts flocked to Oulton Park at the weekend to witness the 2006 Gold Cup - one of the season's biggest events.

The bank holiday racing extravaganza offered fans the chance to witness a range of action from classic sports cars through to the circuit's new special rally stage, which showcased some of the most powerful cars ever to compete in rallying including machines with up to 600bhp.

Rally cars on show included the spectacular Audi Quattro that Michele Mouton used to win the 1985 Pikes Peak hill climb, as well as a Toyota Celica, Rothmans Escort, Lancia Delta S4 and two Metro 6R4s.

A Minardi F1 two-seater was another welcome addition to the show, bringing the sound of modern day Formula 1 machinery back to the circuit for the first time in almost eight years.

Highlights on the circuit included two races from the Derek Bell Trophy with Frank Lyons claiming a double victory in a category involving 1970s machinery from Formula 5,000, Formula Atlantic and Formula 2.

Cheshire-based former British Formula 3 racer Martin O'Connell won a two-litre sportscar race that was dominated by Chevrons while Peter Horsman took the plaudits after claiming victory in the 75-minute Gentleman Drivers GT race.

Another race to provide plenty of excitement and a field of over 30 cars was Classic Formula 3, which featured close racing, with Neil Dunkel taking the chequered flag.