I have never been to a motorbike racing event, let alone photographed one. So I was really keen to have a go at something new when I got the call from Omologato Watches. They had just become the official timekeeping partner for the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship 2021. So camera kit packed I was on my way up the M6 for Round 1 at Oulton Park.
My first visit to Oulton Park for the British Rally Championship still fresh in my mind. I headed off to have a recce of the top parts of the circuit I’d not seen on the rally. Plans made for the afternoon’s action, I made my way down Clay Hill to Knickerbrook. I found myself a spot on the fence just in time as a Sidecar burst into view!
I can tell you, for my first sight of proper motorbike racing, to see the sidecar passengers throwing themselves across the back of the bike… I almost forgot to press the shutter! Absolutely amazing and incredible trust in their driver. Next up was the Honda British Talent Cup. These young riders, some as young as 13, have no fear to go with their amazing talent!
It was then time for the more powerful bikes to make their way onto the track for their Qualifying session. I was having a great time working out when in a bend was best to fire the shutter. Sometimes I just simply had to stand and watch as the riders took their bikes lower and lower into the corners. Elbows and knees rubbing the protective pads along the tarmac…so exciting to photograph.
It wasn’t all fun, I still had some work to do. I was at the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship with Omologato Watches. This year they would be presenting a special limited edition BSB watch to the Pole Position rider after each Qualifying session. The Round 1 honours went to Tommy Bridewell on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.
Omologato Watches photographer duties completed…. There was just a little more time for another helping of incredible track action before I had to make the return leg of my 400 mile roundtrip back home.
Well what an awesome day for my first time at a motorbike race meeting. I can honestly say these bike boys are slightly nuts… but I’m a convert! I can’t wait to have another go at shooting these riders stretching rules of physics to the very limits
