BRX - A Quick Rush
07th April 2021
This article was originally penned for the media team at the 5 Nations BRX series.
As a freelance photographer, and a huge sports fan, I have been fortunate to be in the privileged position to capture various events, from all tiers of Football, Rugby, Motocross and Cricket, culminating in various rounds of the World RallyCross Championship 2017, and the ICC World Cricket Cup 2019. However, Rallycross just has something else. It’s, exciting, fast, furious and provides a quick rush, followed by another quick rush as an event schedule unfolds, everyone has to have their wits about them, and remains one of my favourite events to cover.
It isn’t just the racing though. It’s the event. From the rights owners, stewards, marshals, media and health and safety teams who operate, manage and run the event, to the teams, drivers, the mechanics - who are probably the unseen magicians of an event - putting vehicles back into shape, to the fans. All of these components adding up to a unique atmosphere. Regrettably due to the landscape across the UK in 2020, events in the main were held behind closed doors, an element of the atmosphere - the fans - was missing. Similar to everyone else I cannot wait for a new season hopefully free of encumbrance to accommodate all and ensure the atmosphere can once again reach it’s revved up heights.
I shoot and supply an independent agency, TGSPhoto, with further distribution through REX / Shutterstock. When shooting an event I try and capture the spirit of the event as I view, not just the close up of the cars throwing themselves in and out of bends, or the spills, and include some behind the scenes or other shots to try and provide a story board of the day. On this basis it’s a little difficult to pick out specific favourites, however, looking back at the opening rounds of the 2020 BRX these six images probably to me, whilst certainly not the best images taken, encapsulate the event.
Before the official practice began, Sir Chris Hoy in discussion with Pat Doran, perhaps exchanging benefit of wisdom, information in terms of handling or method, maybe tactics before Sir Chris sets out on his BRX debut.
The Paddock area or Park Ferme, prior to being called to the circuit. Ollie Bennett with his car door slightly ajar, looks really focused with an air of intent before being released to the start line, and the ensuing qualifier.
Patience. A racing incident meant the cars / drivers awaiting their race were held back until the circuit was cleared, and converted to monochrome feel this gives us a sense of foreboding as events unfold.
The race event is dependent on marshals, stewards, officials all of whom ensure the day runs like clockwork. With Covid amongst us, and face coverings mandatory, this particular gentleman had his own facial decoration and again with a lull in the action, suitably posed for a shot.
The racing action. Quick, short, sharp and furious. The drivers really throw the cars through Paddock Bend, leaving plenty of rubber on the circuit. The squeeling of the strain into the corner, the smoke from the brakes all leave their impression.
And finally the celebrations. Not the greatest image, but Ollie O’Donovan was keen to ensure Round winner Martin Donnelly was crowned in an appropriate way and chased him around the presentation area to ensure he got his man.
Images from the opening round of the 2020 British Rallycross Championship and support races can be viewed at www.raylawphoto.com