Castle Combe advice please.

[kybo]

This bank holiday Monday I'm off to Castle Combe circuit and I plan on taking my gear. As I've never been before can you good people advise as to the best locations? Can spectators get infield and paddock access?

I'll be taking my 50-500mm so I imagine distance from the track shouldn't be an issue.

Anyone else going?

Many thanks,

Scott

[paul_y3k]

You can certainly get paddock access, but I've never seen anyone on the infield.
As for locations .... quarry corner is always great to watch the cars, although not sure how this would translate to photo's esp as there is the safety netting.

[miniman]

Spots that I like:

- on the bank alongside Avon Rise for some high-speed panning
- on the raised spectator area at the end of Farm Straight for some outbraking and locked tyres (and spins actually); you can also see Quarry from here with the size lens you are talking about
- at Tower
- along Hammerdown

The latter two are usually much quieter than everywhere else. In all honesty, stay away from Quarry, it's crowded and there are very high catch fences. Not dissimilar at Camp either.

Combe is great for paddock acesss, I think it is an extra couple of quid on the admission but well worth it. As mentioned above, there's no access to the infield. However you can walk round the entire circuit in about 30 minutes so its easy to try different locations.

Here's some of mine:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=combe&w=599664...

[Don]

Without a doubt Quarry represents the best corner for capturing thrills and spills that is accessible to the mere mortal. Camp has a photographers area IIRC and is a stunning corner - as it is fast and has absolutely bugger all runoff. Maxing it out through there on a track day definitely has your arse taking a bite out of the seat...

Infield is inaccessible to spectators IIRC.

Oh: the circuit restaurant happens to produce some of the tastiest home cooked food I have eaten at a motor racing circuit.

It's "rustic" and basic. But it's a lovely, special place nonetheless...

[kybo]

Thanks guys.

Miniman - can you tell me where these were taken please?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binaryimage/101001511...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binaryimage/445273519...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binaryimage/453871456...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binaryimage/453886375...
(Sorry - couldn't get them to display as pics )

Excellent shots - esp the close ups of the Sagaris!!

Thx,
Scott

[miniman]

kybo said:

Miniman - can you tell me where these were taken please?

That's Tower



That's coming out of Westway onto Dean Straight. He got it sideways on the exit from Bobbies and never caught it.



Tower again.



Exit of Bobbies.

[grumpy bear]

Combe is one of those circuits where getting a media vest isnt a huge advantage. Even with one you are not allowed to stand in front of the catch fence. There is good access for both the esses and bobbies and as has been stated Quarry is always busy waiting for people to go off and so is Camp. I would say the best shots for corners are quarry and tower and be prepared to use the extra length to get a good angle. There is photo access at camp through the catch fence but I think it is the wrong side of things unless you have a medai pass as it is right on the pit lane.

[DHA]

Is it a track day on the bank holiday? Or is it an proper racing event?

[miniman]

DHA said:

Is it a track day on the bank holiday? Or is it an proper racing event?

Proper racing.

http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/events/display...

[miniman]

grumpy bear said:

Combe is one of those circuits where getting a media vest isnt a huge advantage. Even with one you are not allowed to stand in front of the catch fence.

Yes, you can.

[kybo]

So far I think, over the course of the day, I'll probably walk the full circuit, but I will be trying 'The Esses', 'Tower Corner' and 'Bobbies'. I'll see how busy 'Quarry Corner' is, but may still give it a go regardless.

All weather permitting, of course.

Thank you for the helpful info.

Scott

[miniman]

I might be up there myself, if I do I will let you know on here on Sunday and maybe we can meet up for a pint.

[kybo]

James,

I've sent you a PM as I'll be off the PH radar for a while.

Cheers,
Scott

[DHA]

miniman said:

DHA said:

Is it a track day on the bank holiday? Or is it an proper racing event?

Proper racing.

http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/events/display...

Cheers

[grumpy bear]

miniman said:

grumpy bear said:

Combe is one of those circuits where getting a media vest isnt a huge advantage. Even with one you are not allowed to stand in front of the catch fence.

Yes, you can.

You need to check your facts my friend.

Both the instructions with the media pass and the instructions received on the day tell you otherwise. I know as I was there on Sunday with a media pass.

[miniman]

Interesting, last time I was marshalling there were plenty of togs in front of the fences and we've never been told to stop them.

[grumpy bear]

miniman said:

Interesting, last time I was marshalling there were plenty of togs in front of the fences and we've never been told to stop them.

Maybe it's new then, I must say it did surprise me a little, Brands Indy has catch fence pretty much all around (except inside Druids and a tiny bit of the paddock) and we shoot in front of that all the time. I guess something has happened to bring out a change of policy. I did'nt see any in front of the fence last weekend so I think we all got the same message.

I can see a time coming where there is catch fence all around every UK circuit.

[miniman]

Actually it wouldn't surprise me if there had been a blanket warning sent out to all circuits in the light of the Surtees / Massa incidents that everyone bar competitors and marshalls should be behind the fences.

[bobs4c]

grumpy bear said:

miniman said:

grumpy bear said:

Combe is one of those circuits where getting a media vest isnt a huge advantage. Even with one you are not allowed to stand in front of the catch fence.

Yes, you can.

You need to check your facts my friend.

Both the instructions with the media pass and the instructions received on the day tell you otherwise. I know as I was there on Sunday with a media pass.

Depends on the event I suppose, but on many track days I chat to a "professional" photographer who sits in front of the fencing at Quarry on a regular basis. He was there on Sunday as well.

Bob

[bobs4c]

An example:



Bob