Photographing Semi-Exclusive Test days at Donington Park.

Donington Park’s semi-exclusive test day format offers something rare: space, time, and freedom. With only around 16 cars on circuit and entry restricted to licensed racers, there are no briefings or sighting laps—just sign on and go. The result is maximum track time, albeit at a premium.

Professional Coaching in a Low-Traffic Environment

My invitation to photograph this Semi-Exclusive Test came from Murray Shepherd, whom I met last season at Donington while he was driving the ex-Keke Rosberg Formula One car. Murray was running a private training day for four drivers and suggested it might be of interest to see how such an intensive programme operates.

A highly experienced professional racer and top-grade ARDS A instructor, Murray balances competitive driving with coaching duties for multiple UK racing schools. Days like this suit his approach perfectly, allowing focused development without the usual traffic constraints.

How the Semi-Exclusive Test Works

Each car actively logs all performance data during the test day. Murray begins by driving each one to establish competitive benchmark lap times. Drivers then receive in-car tuition, following Murray’s lines before progressing to chasing laps in an effort to match his pace.

A standout feature is Murray’s two-car intercom system. This allows live coaching while both cars are circulating—either with the student following Murray or vice versa. Real-time feedback replaces lengthy pit-lane debriefs and proves highly effective. Despite rotating between four cars and drivers all day, Murray never slowed. It was a physically demanding schedule, and by late afternoon the intensity of the role was obvious.

The Snee Brothers’ Racing Programme

Among the drivers was Ben Snee, the eldest of three brothers. Growing up just two miles from Donington Park, Ben regularly watched races there and developed a particular fascination with Lotus cars.

Around four years ago, while attending an event at Goodwood, which his company LGT was sponsoring, Ben decided to begin racing himself and purchased a Lotus. After a handful of races, a crash at Donington prompted him to seek professional coaching, initially from Nigel Greensall, and later from Murray Shepherd.

Ben now runs a Lotus Elan 26R, but with engine rebuilds required roughly every ten meetings, he added two Caterham’s as dedicated training cars. He also bought a BMW 116 to bring brothers Damien and Dan into racing via the BMW 116 Trophy, whose 90- to 180-minute endurance format allows all three to share one car.

This season, the Lotus Elan 26R will be driven by Ben Snee, Murray Shepherd, and Nigel Greensall—who has an impressive track record.

Additional Drivers and Sim Racing Influence

Will Townrow, a close friend of Ben’s, also competes in the BMW 116 Trophy Endurance Race Series and received coaching throughout the day.

Ben also highlighted the benefits of sim racing, particularly in MX-5 competition. By racing online against international drivers and analysing shared data, he refines setups to create realistic vehicle behaviour—experience he believes directly translates to improved on-track performance.

A Wet Finish

As the Semi-Exclusive Test day neared its end, conditions turned wet and most teams packed up. Ben and Murray, however, opted to stay out for wet-weather practice. Murray later commented that Ben’s technique was spot-on, producing an exceptional final lap—right up until he crossed the limit and visited the gravel trap.

The red flag brought the day to a close. Thankfully, there was no damage, and the incident was taken in good humour.

Photographic Post Script

The photographic equipment I used to capture this Semi-Exclusive Test day I believe is well balanced and practical for my needs. I can cover everything from pit-lane detail to high-speed on-track action which as a motorsports photographer is all you really need. Together, the three-camera setup minimises lens changes and ensures comprehensive coverage of both on-and off-track moments. 

Paddock. Canon RP with 24–105mm f/4 is ideal for paddock, pit-lane, and behind-the-scenes coverage, providing flexibility for portraits and wider scene-setting shots.

Action. Canon R6 paired with the 70–200mm f/2.8 is the primary action setup, combining fast autofocus and a bright aperture for sharp panning shots and close on-track action in all conditions.

Reach. Canon R7 with the 100–400mm f/5.6–8 delivers extended reach for distant corners and spectator areas, making it perfect for capturing high-speed action where access is limited.

Thanks go to Jeff and Will from Geoff Steel Racing, who worked throughout the day preparing four cars, repairing a broken roll bar, and still finding time for conversation. You can find out more about Murray Shepherds excellent driver training, testing and car development work here. 

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