Traditional and Digital Photography - Images By John Peters

Green Flag MSA

British Touring Car Championship

Races 5,9,12

180 Degree panoramic of Duffus Dip - Canon Ixus 500

Duffus Dip (180 Degrees Panorama)
7 images taken on a Canon Ixus 500 using the panoramic mode. As well as locking exposure settings on the first frame, the panoramic mode displays the previous image helping you plan the overlay of the next shot, well done Canon. The camera was handheld with me sitting tight against the wire mesh of the course boundaries at Duffus Dip where many of the action photos were taken.

Team Dynamics

Babes Representing Team Dynamics

My first ever visit to Knockhill and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Not really a racing fan, my main purpose was to take photographs but I was swept along with the excitement and atmosphere of the day.

I was armed with a canon 10D, 3 lenses, and a small Canon Ixus 500 strapped to my belt. The Ixus was great for capturing crowd scenes, cars in the pits and on the grid. With 5 megapixels to play with on a compact, the 3 x optical zoom was never too limiting as selective enlargement and my feet compensated for the limited zoom ratio. My Canon 10D and a 70-200 were used for the main track shots. I was interested mainly in the touring cars but the car prep and surrounding areas of the track provided some good opportunities too.

I tended to concentrate on the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship races, the Porsche Carrerra Cup GB races and the Elf / BTE Lawline Renault Clio Cup. For a selection of photos, select the link below.

MAIN SEQUENCE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, CLICK HERE.

KNOCKHILL - HOW TO GET THERE (from south)

After crossing Forth Road Bridge continue on A90/M90 for approx 10 miles to junction 4 signposted Kelty.
Take junction 4 exit signposted Kelty and Dollar, at T junction turn left up the hill on B914 for approx 2 miles
At Y junction with white cottage in middle, take right hand fork continuing on B914 signposted Saline and continue on for approx 2 miles. Turn right onto A823 and continue on for approx 2 miles. I arrived in plenty of time and was able to park just opposite the course near Brabhams Straight. Those arriving later could be diverted to the overflow car park - rather a long walk to the track from there.

Carl Breeze flies round Duffus Dip on two wheels. Unfortunately Carl was forced to retire early on in the proceedings.

Knockhill race Track 2004 - Note Hislops Corner

KNOCKHILL HISTORY

In the 70’s Tom Kinnaird, the owner of a sheep farm called South Lethans Farm, Knockhill, Fife, was a great motorcycle racing fan and he enjoyed visiting various amateur race meetings all over Scotland. These races were usually held on land loaned for specific events each year and were often held on ex-wartime RAF airfields or council public parks.

Back at Knockhill, Tom sat on a hillside one sunny day looking over his land and dreamed of converting his land to become the first all year motor race venue. Knockhill was born.

The Knockhill racing circuit is 800 feet above sea level and being in Scotland, the weather can throw everything at you in a small space of time but its a tremendous track with the complete layout visible from several high points.

From 1984 onwards numerous improvements have been made to track safety, buildings and services.

Several million has been spent over the years to make it Scotland’s National Centre and a 7 day week operation with over forty full time staff and up to 100 part timers at peak events.

	MAIN SEQUENCE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, HERE.

John Cleland revisited his rivalry with fellow BTCC champion Tim Harvey but it was Nigel Rice who bore the brunt of Clelands front bumper.

Harvey arrived at Knockhill with a 32 point lead over Richard Westbrook and although Cleland wasn't in the running for points, pride was at stake and no one could accuse Cleland of taking it easy!

These cars were fast and elegant and a joy to watch and photograph. 3600cc of grunt and power - magic.

John Cleland makes a welcome return to the 911GT3 Cup. See the photos of his rear end shunt with Nigel Rice.

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