British Super Bikes – Friday Test Day

BSB Silverstone 

Report by David Harbey

Arriving at a sunny Silverstone, I started out at one of my favourite spots on the National layout the BSB were using – at ground level just behind the Village grandstand E on the PistonClick Silverstone photographic guide.

You are shooting through the fence and there is some tell-tale matt black paint to confirm you are in the right place; with care, good results can be achieved. However, the prime spot by the gate was compromised by large advertising boards pushing you a little further along the Wellington Straight.

It’s a great spot for a slow speed panning shot at around 200mm focal length.

Swapping to the 500mm prime, there’s also some good shots as the bikes come out of Aintree.  Whilst there I started chatting to the guy next to me – who turned out to be Michael Wincott who I had not met previously.

We found out that we had both been in Portimão for the MotoGP a couple of weeks earlier – he had accreditation; I had a grandstand seat.  There may yet be a report from that event.

It’s not a popular spot even for snappers. A little while later another guy turned up and by dint of the badge on his jacket I soon worked out it was Darren Oliver-Jones or Olithephoto who has featured on PistonClick. We have been at the same circuit at the same time in the past, but not actually met. It was good to meet both Michael and Darren and exchange notes.

I was taking a deliberately relaxed approach to Friday, it was really about getting out, as it happened enjoying the sunshine and taking some photos of BSB 2023. With the sun moving round, it was Luffield for the afternoon. As we reported from the test day, there is work underway on the inside of Brooklands – so that spot was off limits. I was told that it will be accessible again once the work is completed; like-wise the spectating area in front of Escapade, the up-market holiday homes at Maggotts; we shall see.

Again, it was shooting through fence with the characteristic softness that gives especially with a bright sun behind. On to the Luffield terracing with step and 500mm prime to get over the fence. The breeze was coming into our faces from Woodcote and, with the new Luffield grandstand providing rather too much shade, it was actually a bit chilly as the afternoon wore on.

Those familiar with Silverstone will know that a fence was constructed halfway along the Luffield terracing a few years back. There is a gate which is always locked meaning you either have to walk all the way round (now including a large grandstand) or climb over the fence – I am JUST tall enough to do that without permanent injury ! 

As it happened a Silverstone staff member was passing, so I asked about the gate – apparently it should only be locked for F1 as it splits out two ticket areas. He set off with his bunch of keys but to no avail; I got the impression he would be having words.

All in all a pleasant day – warm, sunny and very unlike some April days I have spent at Silverstone. Home then to download the photos and re-charge the batteries.

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