Kicking Up The Spray
I will update my blog, as I go out and about, hopefully coming home with a few pics to share with you.
Goodwood 72nd Members' Meeting
On Sunday March 30th, we set off for Goodwood very early in the morning (Particularly early as the clocks changed that night) to arrive as the gates opened at 7-30am. As the 71st Members' Day was held in the 1960's, people had been waiting for the 72nd one for an awful long time, but the wait was truly worth it. Lord March, as you know, runs two very successful motorsport event, The Festival Of Speed and The Revival, and this day promised to be a mixture of the two, without the stifling huge crowd that they attract. Dressed as per the dress code in jacket and tie, which I must say is a little bit more formal than my usual photography wear at motorsport events of jeans and a T-Shirt, we tried to mingle with 'The Right Crowd'.
The first thing that struck me on entering the venue was the space around the cars, the ease of accessibility to the cars (No barriers or ropes here), and the glorious lack of crowding. We began by having a wander round the paddock, taking in the sight of so many important and breathtaking cars, and at times my brain became overloaded by the exotic sights that were put in front of me. Usually one of such models such as D-Types, C-Types, GT40s and racing Bugattis would be a real highlight of any event, but here there were 4 or more of each! If they looked this good in the Paddock, just imagine how good they looked and sounded when they were racing on the track.
A glorious red GT40 lurking in the paddock, in fact one of quite a few.
A big cat lurking undercover, waiting to be woken up and exercised.
The Turbo F1 cars were there too, and this Benetton brought back memories for me, of a trip to the Austrian Grand Prix, to see them in action in the 80's with Gerhard Bergher at the wheel.
Racing Bugattis are a particular favourite of mine, so with 25 in attendance, I had plenty to look at and admire the stunning design and engineering, that makes these so sought after.
These two were tucked away in a corner, looking a little forlorn.
Of course, it wouldn't be a racing paddock, if some early morning fettling wasn't being done before the race.
6R4 perched up nice and high on its jacks, for some maintenance. What a pocket rocket these cars are, almost as wide as they are long, and surely tremendous fun for the very brave drivers.
Now, where did we put the rest of the car??
McLaren P1 turned heads wherever it went as you can see from this photo, and was used as the Course Car. Not sure that the black paintwork worked as well as some of the more lurid colours we see them painted in, but a magnificent bit of kit all the same. British engineering at its best.
After we had looked around the Paddock we ambled down to Madgwick Corner to capture the racing action. As this is the first corner on the circuit, it can get a bit fast and furious as they arrive in a pack.
Eye catching colour scheme on this fast Capri.
What was that about staying within the track limits?
You don't very often see a Volvo leading the pack, but here is the proof that it sometimes happens!
Celebrity chef James Martin, left the TV studios to head straight down to Goodwood to drive this fast Mini.
Unlucky number for some, but this Ford driver didn't worry!
One of the strangest visors I have ever seen on a crash helmet!
Somebody forgot to tell this driver that it wasn't Rallycross this weekend!. As you can see, even when at the wheel of extremely valuable racing cars, the drivers still try very hard indeed.
After an earlier altercation, the driver had the door open for a fast escape.
Just to prove that it is not only the rally drivers that get a wheel airborne whilst competing.
With the big steering wheels you could actually see the drivers sawing away at the wheel as they coaxed the drifting cars round the corners. So much better to see than the invisible downforce of modern racers gluing them to the track.
Italians first and second, with an Alfa and a Lancia doing battle.
You can see how much space there was to view the action, and how close to the track you could get in the background here. If you were wondering about the bank of yellow daffodils all round the track, Lord March had 300,000 bulbs planted last year to give the track some colour. Now that is commitment.
The racing was very close at times, as these two rubbing shoulders illustrates.
One of Enzo's finest on three wheels.
The Big Cat taking its exercise.
Red Pocket Rocket putting its power down.
The one make Bugatti race must rate as one of the highlights of the meeting, and is something that I will remember for a very long time.
Think it is safe to say that the 57G 'Tank' Bugatti was not one of the prettiest designs to emerge from Molsheim, but I feel fortunate to have been able to see it in action.
Of course when you are trying really hard, things can often go wrong and you end up travelling in the wrong direction.
Swapping horsepower for Marshall power! As always at these events, huge thanks must go to the army of volunteers, whose sterling work allows these events to be held.
In racing, one person's misfortune is another competitors advantage, and the stricken car is soon overtaken.
Only Goodwood could have a DB5 as the safety car, everything was done with style!
The demonstration runs needed a pair of Pace Cars, and a pair of F40s fitted the bill nicely.
All looks a bit slab sided and weighty, when compared to the current F1s, but let us not forget that these beasts packed around twice the power of the current breed.
Scenes like this can't fail to get the old nostalgia going, can it?
Fastest knitted jumper advert ever, they used to say at the time!
Naturally enough, with these old cars being worked really hard, they will protest at their treatment occasionally as the smoke pouring out of this racer shows.
After a long, tiring day even a racetrack full of screaming fast cars couldn't stop this chap getting his afternoon snooze!
It really was a truly fabulous day out, great cars, close fast racing, no crowding and the usual Goodwood eye for detail, made this probably the best event I have attended there. Can't wait for the 73rd!
HSTA Trial At Tetbury
Although, as you are probably aware by now, I attend quite a few motorsport events, the opportunity to see a branch of the sport that I haven't already witnessed, was duly taken when we headed down to Gloucestershire, and the picturesque Chavenage Farm in Tetbury on March 16th. The event was organised by the Golden Valley Historic Light Car Club and although the entry wasn't huge it was a great fun event for all concerned.
The object of the Trial is to negotiate marked 'sections' with red markers on your right and blue markers on your left, with decreasing scores on the poles as you progress. You proceed through the section, not touching the poles or stopping, and the score is noted on the pole you are level with when you do grind to a halt, obviously the lowest score overall wins. Unlike most other forms of motorsport, time is not important but emphasis is on the skill of the crews.
Sunny weather was the order of the day, with a chilly breeze blowing to stop things overheating!
The Marshall keeping a beady eye on proceedings to make sure all is well!
The decreasing numbers on the poles can be seen as well as the ladies hair blowing in the breeze!
The hill expertly negotiated.
As you can see, some of the hills were quite steep, and best not to use your cupholders in such circumstances!
The passenger moves around much like a sidecar passenger on a motorbike to get the weight in the right place.
Teamwork is the order of the day.
Hopefully the team can find enough grip and momentum to crest the hill.
A selection of fetching hats were on display to protect the entrants from both the sun and the bite of the cool spring breeze.
Keeping the hat in place.
Getting a bit crossed up, but keeping forward momentum.
Concentrating on cresting the hill.
The co-driver giving directions.
All under control in the sunshine.
No garish teamware or sponsor adorned driving outfits here.
The strain on the mechanical components take their toll and a failed propshaft ends their day. Naturally other people's misfortune attracts photographers.
Not all the entrants were overly sporty in their appearance.
This BMW probably isn't the most obvious choice for a bit of off roading.
Negotiating the gate at the end of the event on their way back to the paddock.
The glorious Gloucestershire countryside, with one of the sections visible in the top left.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable day watching the skillful exploits of the crews battling the terrain, proper grassroots motorsport without the overpowering commercial elements that are so evident in so many types of sport. If you haven't been to a car trial I suggest you get out there and have a look at one of the more obscure branches of the sport.
Flooding In Windsor 2014
Had a trip over to Windsor today, Feb 16th 2014, to see the flooding in the area. Although the water levels had gone down a little from their mid week highs, there was still a lot of water about and the Thames was very high and flowing very fast. One nice surprise was the appearance of the sun and a nice clear blue sky, which was very welcome, after the weeks of relentless rain that we have had.
We got there pretty early in the morning, parking in Alexandra Gardens and the first people that we saw were this pair of joggers, who appeared far too energetic for that time of the morning. Needless to say, I had no desire to join in!
The Fire and Rescue crews have been kept pretty busy lately, helping out in the floods locally, particularly Datchet and Wraysbury, but seemed pretty relaxed today as the water levels began to drop, so relaxed in fact, they had time for a group photo as they cruised past.
A pair of swans reluctantly posed for us. I wonder what they make of it as they swim into different territories with the river finding pastures new to take over?
The landing stage which normally links the pathway with a boat, allowing people to board, is now a river ornament as the water tries to take it over.
Just in case we didn't see enough water in Windsor, we stopped by the Jubilee Fountain situated in The Goswells. This is a recent addition to Windsor, installed in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
We then walked over to the sports fields on Home Park to find most of the pitches underwater, and no doubt they will take some time to dry out enough to be used again. I hope these aren't Windsor RFC's new signings above, warming up on the pitch! Perhaps instead of rugby they should take up Water Polo.
Presumably, rain stopped play on the Cricket Pitch too! This building was totally marooned with water all around it.
A view across Home Park, as it does a good impression of Home Lake! The river itself is far off in the distance by the railway bridge to the right of this photo.
The river is not meant to be this wide, as can be seen by the location of the submerged seat and safety ring that should be on the dry bank.
With all the trees bare and every other type of plant in its subdued winter state, the bright orange safety ring stand stood out even more than usual as the powerful sunshine lit it up.
If you followed this footpath today you would end up with very wet feet, and keeping your feet out of the water whilst sitting on the bench could prove tricky too!
Not only has this area been suffering from heavy rainfall recently, but there have been some pretty fierce storms with very high winds too, as can be seen by this sad sight of the cricket sight screens being blown over onto the adjacent tennis courts, causing more headaches for the local sports clubs.
Let's just hope that the water levels continue to drop, and the flood damaged homes and property around the area can begin to dry out.
Brooklands VSCC Driving Tests
It was a pleasure to see blue skies and some glorious sunshine for our day at Brooklands today for the VSCC Driving Tests. Lots of lovely pre-war cars, being put through their paces by their respective drivers. The tests consist of a route marked out with cones that have to be completed against the clock. Despite the age of the cars involved there was a lot of spirited driving being done! One of the main joys of attending this event, is seeing such a wide variety of machinery being used, some, more suited to the task in hand, than others.
This very nostalgic scene greeted us when we arrived.
A Singer Porlock up on the banking.
Do Austin 7's really go this fast?
Or corner this quickly?
Red Wheels at speed, and driver concentrating hard!
May only have three wheels, and limited traction, but still got a fair turn of speed.
Absolutely glorious Alfa 6C 1750, driven as it was intended to be driven, with enthusiasm.
Three wheels makes cornering a bit tricky, not that you would have known looking at this Morgan being driven with gusto.
Appropriately named Riley Brooklands, in full flow.
Travelling with a can of Shell, just in case he needs it!
A glorious little Bug, resting in the glorious sunshine.
Hope he isn't calling the AA
Seems to have got a bit confused when he was buying his crocodile skin bag, or perhaps this was the cheaper alternative.
So cold, even the radiators needed woolly hats on!
Ray Mill Island At Boulters Lock, Maidenhead
On Jan 19th I headed down to one of my favourite local photographic locations, Ray Mill island. As you can see the water was very high in the River Thames, and rushing past with some incredible force, just to remind us how powerful Mother Nature can be. Luckily the sun was shining, which always makes me happier when out for a stroll!
The Weir had its gates fully open to allow the water through, and with the sun behind me, my silhouette was inevitably in the shot!
When the water level isn't so high and dangerous, this is a favourite playground for kayakers.
Strangely enough, just a few yards away from the weir, the water was very calm.
In one of the shallow man made water areas I was intrigued by the abstract shapes made by these branches and their reflections.