Which UK Circuit is the most photographer friendly?

[John Hudson]

Just a general question really for those of us who have to photograph from the cheap seats as spectators.

My local circuit Croft has certainly made spectating as a photographer a lot more difficult over the last few years. Partly as a consequence I'll be visiting other circuits throughout this season.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on circuits which have decent access points, clear fields of view etc? Which corners within the circuits are fine points to photograph from?

Thanks

John.

[andrewc]

Mallory Park is pretty good with only limited catch fencing on the way up to the hairpin. The rest is pretty much clear of fencing.

Oulton Park has some very good locations within the public areas.

Snetterton is a long way for you, but is quite open

Cadwell Park is very photogenic

Rockingham is the worst for spectators.

Knockhill in Scotland is supposed to be quite good, although I've not been myself.

[John Hudson]

Cheers Andrew.

All I know at the moment is that I'm doing the GTs at Knockhill in May and we are going to get down to Oulton either for the BTCC or maybe the BSB. Another possibility is Cadwell for the vintage weekend.

I think Rockingham is out, I don't fancy it. The only thing that pulls me in to that circuit is that I think they do truck racing which I've never seen.

[Mike Hoyer]

Pickup trucks yes, not "proper" trucks though!

[andrewc]

Rockingham runs pickup truck racing on the oval, but its not the same truck racing that goes to Brands Hatch, Pembrey, Thruxton or Donington.

The pickups are 230bhp 2 litre petrol engines. The trucks are 1000bhp 12 litre turbo diesels.

[Richard Brewer]

Brands Hatch, whilst quite a way from you is quite good too. Particularly inside of Druids, if you want to get close to the cars (or trucks!).

[GSH]

In my experience it's probably Cadwell, Oulton Park and Knockhill in that order, with Knockhill being 3rd because it's a pain the the backside to get to, even from our little home by the (North) Sea.

I'd definitely recommend Cadwell for the VSCC meeting and i may well be there along with Simon Harrison, but be aware that BTCC or BSB at Oulton Park can be a complete nightmare getting in & out as the access is via country lanes.

If you fancy a Hillclimb, Harewood (near Leeds) is about as Photographer frirendly as it gets.

Now, looking at your other posts you have a 50-500, which opens up several possibilities...

Cadwell Park - "Charlies"
http://www.bhppix.net/Image_storage/Forum%201024x/BARC%20Cadwell%200304/BARC%20CP%2003%20Apr-0029.jpg

Cadwell Park, slightly further around "Charlies"
http://www.bhppix.net/Image_storage/Forum%201024x/BARC%20Cadwell%200304/BARC%20CP%2003%20Apr-0236.jpg

Cadwell Park - "Hall Bends".
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images%202009/MSVR%20Cadwell%20Saloons/MSVR%20Cadwell%2028%20June0638.jpg

Oulton Park - "Lodge"
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Circuits/Oulton%20Park/IMG_2298.jpg

Oulton Park - "Knickerbrook"
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Circuits/Oulton%20Park/Oulton%20Park%20F3%20GT-0483.jpg

Oulton Park - "Hill Top"
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images%202009/Oulton%20BTCC%20Sat/PM3H8807.jpg

Oulton Park - "Britten's"
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Circuits/Oulton%20Park/Oulton%20Park%20F3%20GT-0656.jpg

Oulton Park - "Druids" (Inside)
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geoff.hubbert/Pics/Images%202009/Oulton%20BTCC%20Sat/PM3H8863.jpg

I'll be at Cadwell & Oulton Park a few times this year. If you want a guided tour just ask.

[John Hudson]

Thanks GSH, especially for the corner-pics that's just the kind of info I was looking for.

John.

[neilwood32]

Have to say Knockhill is pretty good - most of the decent bits of the track are useable for shooting if you pick your spot well enough.

You might need a decent length of lens at some bits although I have managed with my 70-300 (el cheapo Sigma).

[John Hudson]

That's good to know Neil as Knockhill is definately on the agenda (don't know what for yet).

I should be ok for focal length as I have the option of 500mm on a 1.6 body, or 500mm + 1.4TC on a full frame body.

John.