NG Road Racing Championship – Round 1

Report by David Gowshall of :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography

17 April 2025

Cadwell Park outline map

The first photographic motorsport outing of the 2025 season had resulted in disaster, as my faithful Canon 80D let me down.

 I visited a local camera shop and discovered that I needed a new shutter box, with an estimate of just over £200 for the repair. Deciding for the moment, to forego a repair, opting to upgrade to a more modern piece of equipment.

Initially tempted by the mirrorless options now on the market, I eventually chose to go with something more familiar, in the form of a Canon DSLR.  “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” as the saying goes.

Canon 90D First Impressions

The logical upgrade was a Canon 90D and I managed to get hold of a second-hand example through a reputable dealer, with less than 2.5k shutter movements recorded, described as being in “Mint” condition, with a significant discount when compared with a new example.

There are, despite looking very similar externally, a huge number of specification differences between the 80D and 90D – not really surprising, given a difference of more than three years between their releases, but the control layout remains very similar, making my transition from one to the other very easy.

I love the deep grip on this camera, which is a slightly different and an improved shape to that on the 80D, which was already good.  This allows me to hang on to the camera even with a large and heavy lens and still feel in control.

The 90D’s body features a notable external change: a joystick on the rear that lets you move and select your focal point. It takes some getting used to, but its nice size and textured surface make it promising. As I become more accustomed to it, I can see its usefulness.

Internally is where the 90D differs most from the 80D, with its headline features being its 32.5-megapixel sensor, and 10 fps shooting, making it a good mid-range enthusiast level choice for motorsport photography. 

Although its early days I’m enjoying using it, and looking forward to the rest of what I hope will be a busy season for :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography.

First two-wheel action

The first competitive motorcycle meeting of 2025 at my “home” circuit Cadwell Park took place last weekend and provided me with another opportunity to explore my acquisition.

The North Gloucester Road Racing Club’s annual visit to the Lincolnshire Wolds formed the 1st Round of their championship season, and took place in glorious warm Spring sunshine.

I’ve been watching action at the “mini-Nurburgring” for 65 years now, and my enthusiasm for this iconic venue remains undiminished.

As a spectator photographer the circuit offers the opportunity to get “up close and personal”, with minimal safety fencing to hinder the views.

With the sun shining I set off from my home, just twenty minutes away, on Saturday morning, looking forward to an entertaining day filled with lots of action, provided by the wide variety of two-wheeled machines on show.

NG Road Racing Origins

NG Road Racing (formerly the North Gloucestershire Motor Cycle Club), formed in 1970, and is one of the largest road racing clubs in the UK with over 600 competing members.

Since the demise of the Thundersports organisation, the likes of NG Racing, along with No Limits Racing, has stepped into the breach, offering riders the opportunity to test themselves regularly on the wide variety of circuits available in the UK.

With all manner of bike classes catered for, full grids are assured, ensuring good, competitive racing throughout.

The sunshine, the scenic location, and the guaranteed quality action resulted in a healthy crowd for the season opener.

The on-track action did not disappoint with all the races hotly contested in what were near-perfect conditions for both racing and photography.

The time flew as I wandered around this circuit I know so well taking photographs and before long it was time to head home on a scenic journey home through the Lincolnshire Wolds.

NG Road Racing Championship – Round 1 a thoroughly enjoyable day ………….

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DEEGEE Motorsport Photography

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