Photographing EMRA at Mallory Park – panning practice and paddock shots

A bank holiday often provides lots of photographic opportunities for the spectator snapper and the recent May Day weekend was no exception. With a long Sunday planned at the Donington Historic Festival, I was looking for something relatively local and low key for Saturday.

The East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) meetings at Mallory Park always offer a full programme of club racing supplemented, on this occasion, by sidecars – some having their final outing before the IoM TT.

The Esses

Easy access to virtually the whole circuit with only the shortest length of safety fence seen on a UK circuit is a huge benefit, including the ability to drive almost all the way round the track. I started at the outside of The Esses looking back to Edwinas Chicane.

Edwinas

Moving back towards Edwinas, some riders were trying out their wheelie skills in qualifying – to differing heights. A rear shot always provides interest.

First race of the day was for the sidecars who didn’t disappoint at Edwinas – some getting a decent amount of air.

Inside of the Esses

For the afternoon, I planned to get to the inside of the Esses – but stopped off first at the exit of Gerrards – the very long right hand bend at the south end of the circuit.

Kirkby Straight

Then a different spot for me – the Kirkby Straight (start / finish). An interesting shot can be achieved – although it takes a quick pan!

EMRA at Mallory Park – The Paddock

Walking through the paddock, #175 caught my eye; I’m a sucker for a flash of colour ! I’m still very much a rookie on bikes – the tyre warmers shout BMW, but the programme says Kawasaki 750. Editor’s note, BMW 1000RR.

With BSB on at Oulton Park, there was no fighting for a place on the fence line at the Esses – one of the very finest places on circuit for a spectator to shoot motorsport in the UK.

Time to practice and slow down the shutter speed and be creative …

The second sidecar race brought more creative opportunities.

Post race the crews congregated in the adjacent scrutineering bay for prize giving, explaining how they would have won if only, etc, etc.

A relaxed and enjoyable day in reasonable weather at Mallory Park and a chance to get back behind the viewfinder.

You can find more information here on the EMRA, Sidecars and Mallory Park here:

EMRA – www.eastmidlandracing.co.uk

Sidecars – https://www.fsra.org.uk

Mallory Park – www.malloryparkcircuit.com

EMRA at Mallory Park Photographer’s notes.

Although I used the 500mm prime for the long shots at The Esses and Gerrards, most of the day was spent with the ubiquitous 70-200mm f2.8 zoom.

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You can see more of David Harbey Photography by following the links below.