Bennetts British Superbikes Championship

June 29, 2021
Jason O'Halloran Bennetts British Superbikes Championship

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 on my way back up the M6 for Round 1 at Oulton Park.

Arriving early with my first visit to Oulton Park for the British Rally Championship earlier this month 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!!!

British Sidecar Championship
Tommy Philp steers around Knickerbrook as Tom Bryant throws himself to the inside

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 & 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!

motorbike racing Ian Skelton Photography
A fully focused 16 year old JJ Cunningham in the Honda British Talent Cup

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 & watch as the riders took their bikes lower & lower into the corners. Elbows & knees rubbing the protective pads along the tarmac…so exciting to photograph.

After You
Danny Buchan British Superbikes Championship
Danny Buchan showing that’s as far as it will go before you’re on the tarmac yourself

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.

Bennetts British Superbikes Championship
Tommy Bridewell
Tommy Bridewell makes his way through the grid to Pole Position
Tommy Bridewell Shami Kalra Omologato
Tommy Bridewell recieven his Pole Position watch from Omologato founder, Shami Kalra
Tommy Bridewell British Superbikes
Tommy Bridewell last minute preparations

There was time for a little more incredible track action before I had to make the return leg of my 400 mile roundtrip back home.

Barry Teasdale Superstock racing wheelie
Barry Teasdale in tyre saving mode over Deers Leap
Tom Neave Superstocks Championship
Tom Neave powering through Lodge
Ian Skelton Photography
All Together Now
Jason O'Halloran Bennetts British Superbikes Championship
Jason O’Halloran majestic through Knickerbrook on his way to a hat trick of wins at Oulton Park
Pit Wall British Superbikes
The leaders head past the Pit Wall

Well what an awesome day for my first time at a motorbike race meeting. I can honestly say these bike boys are nuts…but I’m a convert!! I can’t wait to have another go at shooting these crazy riders stretching rules of physics to the very limits

By Skelly

Related Articles

HERO – Challenge 3 Rally

HERO – Challenge 3 Rally

Back in June I got to cover the launch of their Mustang historic rally car. This week I was really pleased to get the call to travel up to Preston to shoot Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation HERO - Challenge 3 historic car rally.... Main Beam.... Ok, now dip...

read more
100 years of Le Mans in 3 weeks…

100 years of Le Mans in 3 weeks…

One of the fab things about being a motorsport photographer is some of the amazing events I get to shoot at. Some are more special and significant than others. Non more so than when it is a point in history at an iconic track. This year I travelled 100 years of Le...

read more