Track days

foggy4ever

foggy4ever

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Hi I am new to this forum and am looking for some general advice on track days. I am close to cadwell park and my main passion is bikes but would like to try cars as well.I have followed bikes for mainy years but have only just got my first DSLR(nikon D60, 70-300vr) just used nikon coolpix8800 until now.

cheers scott

showphoto.php
 
mainly etiquette, how busy does it get with other photographers, I have never photographed in group.I would expect its quite different to a race meeting which is what I am used to. What are the best web sites to check for up coming dates.
 
Generally speaking not too busy. Just work on your own and do your own stuff - but do chat to the others as they may have ideas you can use yourself.

Keep an eye on the circuits calendar, race dates website and there are plenty of track day companies with their own calendars.
 
Hi I too prefer bikes to can't get on with cars, top track cadwell rode it couple of years ago, the mountain has to be the choice, you can get quite chose to many parts of the track, I use this website to keep a eye on dates

http://www.trackdayriders.co.uk/

do your own thing on the day, as for advice I could only say, try tv mode and control your shutter speed try panning so you get the object clear and the back ground blurred, something like 1/125 sec but have a play around, I'm new to this as well but there's plenty of advice on here.
 
pstewy said:
Hi I too prefer bikes to can't get on with cars, top track cadwell rode it couple of years ago, the mountain has to be the choice, you can get quite chose to many parts of the track, I use this website to keep a eye on dates

http://www.trackdayriders.co.uk/

do your own thing on the day, as for advice I could only say, try tv mode and control your shutter speed try panning so you get the object clear and the back ground blurred, something like 1/125 sec but have a play around, I'm new to this as well but there's plenty of advice on here.
Click to expand...

the calenders aint right on that site think its last years

EDIT: ignore me they have january 09 and say 2009 will apear shortly:cuckoo:
 
Hi, i too am close to cadwell and like to go and get some shots of the trackdays.

I can tell you that when i have been in the past (reasonably often) it has been dead. Hardly anyone there. The thing i have noticed with cadwell is that the people seem to come from all over the country rather than just local people.

I find out about furture track days with the help of the links on this page....

http://www.atdo.co.uk/atdo.php?pg=members&ls=all

I can also tell you the following.......

28/02/09 Cadwell Bike Trackday
01/03/09 Cadwell Bike Trackday
15/03/09 Cadwell Car Trackday
30/03/09 Cadwell Bike Trackday
14/04/09 Cadwell Bike Trackday

These are the only ones i have dates for so far, but then i found these dates at the start of the year so there are probably more to find.

Have a look on my website and you can see example pics of cars and bikes around cadwell.
 
Any of you lot likely to be at Cadwell on the 22nd May, I'm thinking of doing a track day there (Bike, if it's fixed up) cheers :D
 
I'm gonna try and get to a lot more this year so i may well be there!
 
TheCrow said:
I can tell you that when i have been in the past (reasonably often) it has been dead. Hardly anyone there. The thing i have noticed with cadwell is that the people seem to come from all over the country rather than just local people.
Click to expand...

That's cos Cadwell is arguably the best track in the UK, I raced there a few years back and although it's frightening as hell that damn mountain it's addictive! :love:

There used to be an events callendar for all trackdays but I don't seem to be able to find it now, will keep looking

Some places to look when things might be on would be No Limits and Focussed Events trackday websites

Both run regular trackday events across the country

You could also try http://www.bemsee.co.uk/ website, they will have their events callendar up soon if it's not already there - arguably the best racing club in the UK with loads of different classes and therefore rider abilities out to photograph. If you do go to a Bemsee day though I'd recommend asking prior permission to photograph as if you just rock up I doubt you'll be able to get proper trackside (infield on the corners) due to the way they marshall.

He he he I've just found an old pic of me racing! ;D http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v107/107/6/640572108/n640572108_184243_7207.jpg
 
Tazzie said:
That's cos Cadwell is arguably the best track in the UK
Click to expand...
I support that claim, it's by far my favourite track!

The best areas for photos are from the gooseneck down to the hairpin, this section is more technical and offers better photo opportunities than just riders tucked down behind their screens.

It's never usually that busy with togs but do speak to them if you get the chance, as most will just leave you alone but if you get chatting they'll offer you some advice then and there.

As with most thing, practice makes perfect. Start out using P mode and just concentrate on getting the panning right to begin with. Remember to follow through after you've clicked the shutter too. Once you get the hang of that, switch to shutter priority and (light permitting) drop yourself down to the region of 1/200 and shoot - this will offer a better result if you can pan correctly!
I tend to find that using single capture rather than continuous is best as I can time the shot for when I want, and not have the ideal shot in between the captures.

Most of all, have fun. 95% of my shots were rubbish when starting out with motorsport, so don't be disheartened if you find the same! :thumbs:

Edit:
Rusty you make a good point (below). From speaking to MSV and Hottrax (both trackday organisers) regarding trackday togging, neither company will allow you to go trackside as it is a conflict of interest with the photographers selling their images (I believe it's BritishSportPhotography but I could be wrong). As such for trackdays, even with liability insurance and a portfolio, the event organisers simply will not permit you to go trackside. From lengthy conversations with track owners I am assured that the final say rests with the event organiser (as they are responsible) so for other organisers you may have more luck. For race events and meetings you'll need the advice Rusty offers (although it seems MSV don't require you to have any previous images published when I spoke to them).
 
I would be careful at just "turning up" at any sort of meeting (especially at MSV circuits). To get trackside you have to have a media pass which requires you to have at least 8 photos published from the previous season. One day passes are available but you have to have a letter of accreditation from an editor and all this has to be done at least a week in advance. So not impossible, but not advisable just to turn up and expect to get where you want!

Rusty
 
Thanks for all the input.:clap: Did email motorsportvision before starting post and recieved a polite reply fron Nick Rice (track day organiser):thumbs:
Quote

"You are welcome to come and take pictures from the spectator areas on
our track day events. All we ask is that you tell one of our staff at
the circuit what you are doing when you arrive"

Have managed a few good shots of jonny rea, karl harris and leon haslam getting some serious air time with nikon coolpix 8800, now looking forward to trying a DSLR.:woot:

Scott
 
Yep, that's the standard response. Basically you're fine wherever you go as long as it's not trackside. I can't say I've ever bothered informing the staff since my first visit to a circuit though!

One thing I will mention is keep your eye out as years pass for changes to spectator areas. Last year I visited Mallory Park and was pleasantly surprised to see that as well as completing some safety works up at the Bus Stop they had also extended the spectator area by Foggy's Esses towards the track quite considerably - making things much more interesting for me!

Best of luck with it - and post up some of your results too! :)
 
just learnt how to post pics here are a few of my lucky favorites.
shame kio crashed before end of 1st lap
DSCN0156_copy.jpg

laconi not liking mickey mouse chicane
DSCN0472_copy.jpg


DSCN0107_copy.jpg
 
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