Oulton park Info

KIPAX

KIPAX

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KIPAX Lancashire UK
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Am thinking of going sometime over the first weekend in october for the . Bennetts British Superbike Championship . I presume they have no problem with photographers shooting for pleasure as i ahve seen pics knocking about ?

Also anyone used the disabled parking.. it says first come firs thingy... does it fill up quick . should we go silly early ?


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Oulton park is my favourtie track for photography as there is not a lot of high fencing. I have been to the BSB many times and never had any issue taking photos, except for a lot of advertising boards!.
Can commnet on the disabled parking as only ever parked in the main car parks. I also tend to go on the Friday when its a lot quieter as its only practice/testing
 
No issues with shooting from the public areas at Oulton, though the 'busy locations' can fill up with photographers at popular events, there are plenty of other locations.

Shooting from the infield has virtually no catch fences, from the outside there are quite a few catch fences but these are mainly around teh corners so again locations can be found outside of these.

The Diasbled Parking is on the infield near the bridge over to Knickerbrook, its quite small, hence it fills up quickly, but generally there is plenty of infield parking available. I have always arrived early (shortly after opening, I only live 10-15mins away) and have always been able to park where I want. I quite often park close to the disabled parking and then use the car as a camera bag, taking out different gera if I'm visiting pit/paddock or shooting trackside. Certainly saves lugging kit about!

The Disabled parking (and area around is quite good as a parking base) as its 5min walk (on the flat to the main restauarant/paddock area entrance), its 5-7min walk (on the flat) to Druids, a decent panning corner with trees offering shelter from sun/rain!, and its 5 mins (or so) to Knickerbrook (over the bridge and down the hill (steps) and up a slight incline). There are also toilets nearby.

@Jammy Dodger may be able to provide more info.
 
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This might help https://www.pistonclick.com/oulton-park-photographic-guide

Oulton, as others have said not covered in catch fencing, the disabled parking is over to far right of main entrance, they should direct you there, but you will up at the top of Hill Top so catch the bikes coming out of Knickerbrook corner and up the hill they are very quick. (if you want to know why that name look up Blaster Bates on YouTube about how it got its name)

If you're on the infield disabled place then you can walk back up to the left had side of the circuit to Druids and other favourite place where you can catch the riders as the lean over but again it is fast corner, short zooms work well here.

It really depends on which day you go, the main race days it will be very, very busy with it a fair few deep in most places, places like the inside of Lodge is a bit of a mare on race days.

Most people I know that want to shoot go on the Friday, it is not so crowded and you can get around the circuit a lot easier.

You can wonder around the paddock as well, but I always find it tricky picking shots around there when BSB is on.

Could also be worth looking at the Knickerbrook entrance as there would be more places to more around and the view from the top of the hill is very good and there is disabled parking up there, and if you get there early you can set up camp and see the bikes coming down the Avenue round Cascades and as they disappear you can catch them coming through Knickerbrook.

There are loads of places to shoot around Oulton if you're on Facebook look up and join a private group 'Oulton Park Racing' where you can get some good advice on where to go :)
 
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Oulton Park is a brilliant circuit for photography as there are lots of places to shoot with no fencing and some where you can get very close to it that the images show nothing on them after either. I shot there doing some media work for Porsche last week so had full access and I can honestly say being a spectator trying get photographs compared to media you really aren't missing much.
The BSB events are very well attended and for us toggers, the Fridays and Saturdays are by far the best as you can get to good spots relatively easily. The final race days are packed so I recommend getting there very early and be prepared for queues when leaving. I will be there as it's my local and as mentioned above the Facebook Oulton Park group is excellent and very friendly. I know I'm biased too but Oulton is a beautiful circuit as well.
 
Hadge said:
I can honestly say being a spectator trying get photographs compared to media you really aren't missing much.
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I think the biggest miss is getting to shoot on the outside at Lodge to get the iconic shot with the arch in centre behind the car, thats difficult though the catch fencing!! and you need a very long lens to do it justice from the mound by the bridge (over the fencing)
 
Mr Perceptive said:
I think the biggest miss is getting to shoot on the outside at Lodge to get the iconic shot with the arch in centre behind the car, thats difficult though the catch fencing!! and you need a very long lens to do it justice from the mound by the bridge (over the fencing)
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If you go near the gate where media have access and use a long lens you can get that shot. Lodge is my favourite corner as you can walk all the way up and stop at different points for nice shots. Going past the grandstand and shooting down Lodge towards the start line is good too.
You just have to watch the sun on the fencing and use the trees shade to beat the haze.
 
Hadge said:
If you go near the gate where media have access and use a long lens you can get that shot. Lodge is my favourite corner as you can walk all the way up and stop at different points for nice shots. Going past the grandstand and shooting down Lodge towards the start line is good too.
You just have to watch the sun on the fencing and use the trees shade to beat the haze.
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I'll try that, but I've struggled in the past. I've also shot from the inside of lodge towards the start line, getting the cars under the bridge. The oustide at Lodge has too much fencing for my liking, and although I've a few decent shots, it does depend on where I catch teh car in realtion to the fence when panning!

But your comment about the sun is well worth noting, I've certainly noticed in the past, that certain track areas are easier at certain times of the day to avoid shooting into the sun!
 
Mr Perceptive said:
I'll try that, but I've struggled in the past. I've also shot from the inside of lodge towards the start line, getting the cars under the bridge. The oustide at Lodge has too much fencing for my liking, and although I've a few decent shots, it does depend on where I catch teh car in realtion to the fence when panning!

But your comment about the sun is well worth noting, I've certainly noticed in the past, that certain track areas are easier at certain times of the day to avoid shooting into the sun!
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You’ll find me at Lodge early doors as that’s when the sun isn’t on the fence plus the trees are shading them. The inside of Lodge is excellent too for either panning or shooting towards the start line. On small events you can go in the grandstands for free but then you are shooting down but you can still get some great shots.
 
I've not shot bikes at Oulton but have been going there most years for car racing. BSB is a busy meeting with a lot of spectators, photographers both pro and am.

Matt Sayle, formerly of this parish, wrote this - it's no longer on his website but the web archive made a copy. Photography around the outside of the first corner is harder now than it was.

 
one of my favorite spots thats not been mentioned - knickerbrook. Great for pack shots, and a clean background. Hopefully works for bikes too.

Although my big bugbare abount knickerbrook is that people stick their chairs there and disapear... or stay there all day taking the same photo, therefore blocking others opportunity... especially annoying now as they have made the barrier a red zone if you are signed on - hence those were taken from the public area - but i was pretty much lying on the floor to get the good perspective.


If they are using one of the longer circuits, then this is also a nice spot, from up on the bank along from knickerbrook towards the hairpins. If its a busy meeting, then it gives a nice blur of colour.

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Some fantastic info guys.. REALLY APPRECIATED

But the guy I was going wiht has just told me he cant go at all that weekend :( I aint going on my own... he asks about this Saturday "no limit club bike chamnpionship"

https://www.oultonpark.co.uk/2025/august/no-limits

only one day so would that be too busy for taking pics or ?
 
andrewc said:
I've not shot bikes at Oulton but have been going there most years for car racing. BSB is a busy meeting with a lot of spectators, photographers both pro and am.

Matt Sayle, formerly of this parish, wrote this - it's no longer on his website but the web archive made a copy. Photography around the outside of the first corner is harder now than it was.

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I remember Matt :) That does look quite comprehensive to you and matt :)
 
I forgot to say there is No Limits Bikes on this weekend and that is a clubman racing an is usually very good.

Shot from Druids
1G4A2278 2 2.JPG

As for "being on your own" :) there are loads of us about, me and Hadge will probably up on the outside of Lodge in the morning, you may find Kae1 over at Druids later in the day and you'll find me and a bunch of others that tend to camp over at Knickerbrook or Brittons in the afternoon.
 
KIPAX said:
Some fantastic info guys.. REALLY APPRECIATED

But the guy I was going wiht has just told me he cant go at all that weekend :( I aint going on my own... he asks about this Saturday "no limit club bike chamnpionship"

https://www.oultonpark.co.uk/2025/august/no-limits

only one day so would that be too busy for taking pics or ?
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No, it is not that busy and is usually really easy to get around, also the paddock is a bit more open on Clubman Days so there are shots to be had there as well.
 
andrewc said:
I've not shot bikes at Oulton but have been going there most years for car racing. BSB is a busy meeting with a lot of spectators, photographers both pro and am.

Matt Sayle, formerly of this parish, wrote this - it's no longer on his website but the web archive made a copy. Photography around the outside of the first corner is harder now than it was.

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Old Hall Corner?

You used to be to walk down there and shoot back up to the start line and get some great shots, but a couple of years ago they put black cloth over the walk down, safety reasons as to many people were watching and shooting, while others drove to the camp site at the far end.
There are a couple of holes in the cloth now so you can shoot as they come off Old Hall and go down The Avenue and a very small only one person hole you can just about shoot back up towards the start/finish line.

However Old Hall you can still shoot from as the enter the corner off the start/finish straight or sit in the grandstand (if their not charging a stupid price to get in) and get a more unusual high up shot.
 
KIPAX said:
Searched but Threads seem quite old.

Am thinking of going sometime over the first weekend in october for the . Bennetts British Superbike Championship . I presume they have no problem with photographers shooting for pleasure as i ahve seen pics knocking about ?

Also anyone used the disabled parking.. it says first come firs thingy... does it fill up quick . should we go silly early ?

​

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How mobile is your disabled friend. How far can he walk, or does he need to use a mobility scooter. Some sections of the circuit you can park very close to the fence, others you need to walk a few hundred yards.
 
Knikki said:
As for "being on your own" :) there are loads of us about, me and Hadge will probably up on the outside of Lodge in the morning, you may find Kae1 over at Druids later in the day and you'll find me and a bunch of others that tend to camp over at Knickerbrook or Brittons in the afternoon.
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I am that photographer who approaches other photogrpahers and says hello and asks questions :)
 
Eucris said:
How mobile is your disabled friend. How far can he walk, or does he need to use a mobility scooter. Some sections of the circuit you can park very close to the fence, others you need to walk a few hundred yards.
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Its both of us.. i can't do inclines let alone hills...(emphysema COPD) maybe short incline... i can walk a decent amount on flat but my mate not so much...
 
KIPAX said:
Its both of us.. i can't do inclines let alone hills...(emphysema COPD) maybe short incline... i can walk a decent amount on flat but my mate not so much...
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I would go a quieter day than the BSB, then you can use your car to move about even if that means going out of the circuit and back in another entrance - I often move the car infield during the day.

Main Entrance

You can park easily at the top of Clay Hill (5 min walk on flat to Druids)
You can park very near Lodge (Infield), very short walk (very short incline)
You can park near Avenue (for Top of Cascades, exit of Old Hall)
You can park near paddock

Knickerbrook Entrance

You can park near Knickerbrook, if not will be a short flat walk - this will be the only way you can get to Knickerbrook without incline/steps

East Gate Entarnace

You can park near Lodge Grandstand (outfield)
You can park opposite Pits (Pit Straight and short walk to Old Hall)

You can't do all this car moving on busy days though


Infield At Lodge


VSCC - GN Parker Special by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Outfield At Lodge


Oulton Park - Autos De France 2024 - Ford Escort Mk1 2 by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Druids


Lotus Elan - Oulton Park - Equipe Libre Series by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Knickerbrook


TVR Tuscan - Bernies V8s Championship by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Avenue


230407 Oulton Park - British GT Championship-02 by David Yeoman, on Flickr

Top Of Cascades


Oulton Park - British GT Championship-01 by David Yeoman, on Flickr
 
Cant see a start time or gates open time for saturday ?
 
All sorted.. be there Sat for gates open 8am :) hopefully on disabled parkign but whatever.... I will be approaching anyone with a camera as I have only done motor sport (bikes) once before while on holiday ... if cold will have KIPAX wooly hat on :)


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KIPAX said:
All sorted.. be there Sat for gates open 8am :) hopefully on disabled parkign but whatever.... I will be approaching anyone with a camera as I have only done motor sport (bikes) once before while on holiday ... if cold will have KIPAX wooly hat on :)
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The disabled parking areas won't give you the best photo opportunities. As you can see from the image you can park more or less where you want.

Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-20.41.06.jpg
 
Eucris said:
The disabled parking areas won't give you the best photo opportunities. As you can see from the image you can park more or less where you want.

View attachment 461683
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cant make out much on that map sorry.. viewin g on a computer its all tiny :( we will be early.. wheres the best place to park then please ? :)
 
KIPAX said:
cant make out much on that map sorry.. viewin g on a computer its all tiny :( we will be early.. wheres the best place to park then please ? :)
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When you arrive at Oulton Park just have a drive round and see what takes your fancy. Most of the infield at Oulton Park is flat and you will be able to park within a few feet of the fencing. The exceptions being Cascades which is on a slope and Druids which is only accessible via a footpath through a wood. The bottom end of the circuit from Knickerbrook to Brittens also offers parking within a few feet of the fence.
 
Knikki said:
As for "being on your own" :) there are loads of us about, me and Hadge will probably up on the outside of Lodge in the morning, you may find Kae1 over at Druids later in the day and you'll find me and a bunch of others that tend to camp over at Knickerbrook or Brittons in the afternoon.
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KIPAX said:
cant make out much on that map sorry.. viewin g on a computer its all tiny :( we will be early.. wheres the best place to park then please ? :)
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I've found myself 'available' today so intend to pop along, likely to switch between Druids/Knickerbrook/Lodge(infield) during the day depending on sun/rain (its a mixed forecast!) - never shot bikes before so will be interesting.

Happy to meet up - drop me a PM or post here (as I notice @KIPAX doesn't have PMs enabled
 
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Mr Perceptive said:
Happy to meet up - drop me a PM or post here (as I notice @KIPAX doesn't have PMs enabled
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Was on the road when you posted this so didn't see as no signal at oulton park for me.. . Di meet you though and Cheers for the extra info.. Go this where you sent me after DX3_5197.JPG lunch :)
 
He has obviously taken the advice to keep the black bits on the road the wrong way... Hope the bike didn't collect him on their way to the stop!
 
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