BRTDA British Rallycross Clubmans Championship – Blyton Park
2 April 2025
Report by David Gowshall
New Year, New Camera Gear
The normal season-opening event for :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography is the Riponian Rally, held in the forests north of Pickering in early February.
With every intention to attend the event, it wasn’t the 4:30 a.m. alarm call or the cold that put me off, but the dense fog. This persisted for the first ten miles of my journey from my home in the Lincolnshire Wolds to the Humber Bridge. With the prospect of a further two to three-hour drive in the gloom and darkness, I made the decision to make a U-turn before venturing over the water into Yorkshire. Not the day I had anticipated.
I once again ventured over the bridge into Yorkshire two weeks later. In much better driving conditions, I was looking forward to this event. This time it was to cover the first round of the 2025 Probite British Rally Championship, the East Riding Stages.
The ten high-speed, predominantly single-track tarmac stages (five repeated) covered the flat and open countryside of the East Riding. The rally route was contained within a compact geographical area centred on the village of Skirlaugh. Stretching up to the coastal town of Hornsea. Two super special spectator stages were to be held on the Westwood. This is an area of open parkland on the outskirts of Beverley, the rally’s base town. Having attended the rally before, I had a reasonable knowledge of some good vantage points.
Wawne Common
Parking up in the small village of Coniston, it was a relatively short walk to the first stage of the day, Wawne Common. Locating myself at a point on the stage that had plenty of different opportunities to capture the cars in action. I settled down looking forward to a fun morning, or so I thought. After just ten minutes of action, my camera cried enough.
I have two camera bodies, but had chosen, on this occasion, to use the space in my bag to include a larger selection of lenses, rather than include my “spare” body. Very frustrating, but having uttered several naughty words under my breath, I packed my lifeless camera away. Settling down to take in the action as a spectator only.
I’m pleased to say, the spectacular cars on show proved very entertaining. Although it didn’t make up for not being able to snap some action,
Two attempts to take in some motorsport photography in February had resulted in just a handful of images.
A visit to the local camera shop on my return from my day out confirmed my worst fears. A major fault with the shutter mechanism on my Canon 80D meant a costly repair was needed.
Canon 90D DSLR
After weighing the options, I decided it was time I invested in a new, upgraded body. After some deliberation, I decided, after considering the mirrorless options available, to stick with what I was familiar with. I purchased a more modern Canon 90D DSLR. This has a high-resolution 32.5MP sensor that can shoot at 10fps, making it well-suited for sports photography.
To familiarise myself with my new acquisition, I sorted out a number of trips. During March, I visited my local track, Cadwell Park, to take in some track day action. Following up with some beach racing at Mablethorpe.
1st Round of the BTRDA British Rallycross Clubmans Championship
With growing confidence in my new photographic kit, I set out last Sunday to capture the rally action at Blyton Park. Normally used as a test track, the venue was hosting the 1st Round of the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship.
The championship was established in 1977 and continues to be well-supported, providing both newcomers and “budget” drivers with a strong competition.
Parking up next to the very busy paddock, it was pleasing to see some sunshine. Although, as always when I have visited this ex-airfield venue, there was a strong wind blowing across the circuit. Wellington and Lancasters flew raids into Europe during the Second World War from Blyton.
Blyton Park – BRTDA British Rallycross
The short Blyton rallycross circuit is predominantly tarmac, with some short lengths off-track to test the driver’s skills. From a spectator photographer’s point of view, it offers a real challenge. Most of the action is a considerable distance away from the very limited viewing facilities. Therefore, using a long lens is an absolute necessity when visiting Blyton. I took along my Sigma 150-600mm ultra-telephoto zoom. The blustery wind was going to make my day’s work very challenging with this very long lens.
British Cross Car Cross Championship
Numerous Rally-X classes were competing throughout the day, plus the opening round of the inaugural Motorsport UK British Cross Car Cross Championship. These small single-seater buggies, powered by motorcycle engines, are intended to provide an accessible and affordable pathway into rally cross. Contesting a 12-round campaign, these buggies will run within the 2025 BRX Nations and BRTDA British Rallycross schedule.
A guest competitor in the form of 2022 British Rally Champion Osian Pryce added some interest to this first outing for these lightweight machines.
BRTDA British Rallycross
The Rally-X action came thick and fast throughout a very busy day. Grids formed rapidly and got underway quickly as those having completed the previous race left the circuit.
As is normal at rally cross meetings, there were regular yellow and red flags being waved by the Orange Army. The recovery vehicles were kept very busy. I’m pleased to say that as the day progressed, the wind abated, making life a little easier. It’s a real test of a photographer’s imagination to provide a variety of images with limited trackside access available. I think I accomplished that task from my viewpoint.
Thankfully, the racing was certainly entertaining, with lots of variety in terms of cars on track, which included a Lancia Stratos, one of my particular favourites. As the BRTDA British Rallycross came to an end, I considered my next photographic assignments.
My “other” local circuit, Cadwell Park, will be hosting the Alan Healy Memorial Rally. This will give me another opportunity to gain more experience of my new camera kit after a stop/start few weeks. I’m looking forward to getting the :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography’s 2025 season underway properly.
You can contact and see more of :DEEGEE: Motorsport Photography here.
PistonClick Rally Reports.
