British GT at Oulton Park – a play in three acts with two players …

Report by David Harbey

Images by David and Andrew Harbey

Act 1 – the warm up – dry

Player 1

A grey morning; not that cold. A decent journey up to Oulton Park. Anticipation of two one-hour British GT races on Oulton Park’s superb track with it’s largely excellent spectator snapper possibilities.

The forecast was not good though … that bright blue patch of rain on the TV weather map was due to arrive mid-afternoon and stay around for the rest of the day.

First port of call was the exit of Druids for some panning shots during the short fifteen minute warm up.

You can slow the shutter speed down, use the foliage on the inside of the track to partially frame the shot or go with some Dutch Tilt with nary a fence in sight.

All too soon, that was over with GB3 (rebranded British F3) appearing on track for their usual largely processional race. They photograph really well, especially the wheels, but I was ready for my lunch !

Player 2

I decided to sit out the short warm up session completely – preferring lunch - here’s some Formula Ford action as an intermission

Act 2 – the first race – largely dry

Player 1

Parking above Clay Hill means it is a short walk over the bridge to the outside of the track and access to Knickerbrook and beyond. As I have said before, GT really is one of my favourite racing categories and a field of GT3 and GT4 cars is a real sight and sound.

There was a good-sized crowd with many taking advantage of the parking by Knickerbrook, Hill Top and Brittens where it seems some of the cars were flying.

I know they make for spectacular photos but I’m not really sure that bashing a GT car (or any other car) over kerbs is motor racing (yeah, I’m a bit of an old purist). So, not of that (this time, at least) !

I love the panning shot as the cars accelerate up to Clay Hill. Slow the shutter speed down and even use the circuit furniture.

Player 2

The inside of Cascades on the outside of the track (D on the PistonClick circuit guide)- accessed via the bridge by Pit In and then walk round past Old Hall - is a superb spot for a slow panning shot with the crowds in the background.

It’s also not too far to walk back round the Lodge in a one-hour race and grab shots along the way. Lodge remains a great location for close up action – actually it’s all reasonably close up.

It’s also a spot where drivers who have retired from the race can watch the action …

Act 3 – the second race – definitely NOT dry

Player 1

Having stuck with the longer zoom for Race one it was time to try something different – my new 24-70mm zoom lens. I headed towards Old Hall for the first laps. A wider angle on a slowish shutter speed gives a very different feel to the images enhanced by the rain and spray.

One of the things I have tried to do in 2021 is to mix up the nice documentary shots with some that are a little more arty to give a real impression of the speed – and in this case - the weather.

I then walked across the back of the paddock to Deer Leap near by Pit In.

I’d seen a photo from Saturday with the illuminated sign on the food van so wanted to see if it was still there and how it would work in the rain.

The drop from Lodge to Deer Leap also proved interesting photographically with reflections of the red rain lights.

Player 2

I headed in completely the other direction walking from Knickerbrook to Brittens. The rain was setting in for the afternoon and with the fast run over Hill Top there was plenty of potential for spray. The black and white treatment seems to work well in the lower light.

With the standing water there is also scope to play with the reflections.

Postscript

At the previous round at Snetterton Andrew (Player 2) had introduced himself to Matt Topham who drives the Newbridge Motorsport GT4 Aston Martin with Darren Turner.

Andrew had raced against Matt online and was invited to try out the driver’s seat. This is the view from the hot seat.

The final round of the 2021 British GT Championship is at Donington Park on 16/17 October. It’s a two hour race on the full Grand Prix track – will we see you there ?