Motorsport videography is all about precision, timing, and knowing where to be. Recently, I had the opportunity to document a test day at Blyton Park Race Track, where Sam Shrimpton was putting the Ginetta G56 GTA through its paces. The day was packed with intense preparations, high-speed action, and behind-the-scenes insights from professional race drivers. Armed with my trusted Sony A7IV Mirrorless Camera, I was ready to capture every moment from the garage to the track.
The Test Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
A motorsport test day is much more than just driving around a track at high speed. It involves meticulous preparation, data analysis, and fine-tuning. Before the Ginetta hit the circuit, the day started with:
- Pre-drive vehicle inspection – ensuring every component was in peak condition.
- Safety briefing – covering track rules, conditions, and emergency procedures.
- Track study – understanding cornering lines, braking zones, and overtaking opportunities.
- Performance metrics analysis – using onboard computers to monitor speed, braking, tyre temperatures, and more.
- Real-time coaching – professional insights from seasoned race car drivers guiding Sam through improvements on each lap.
The Gear Setup: Capturing High-Octane Action
In the Garage: Close-Up Details
To document the pre-race preparations, I relied on my Sigma 56mm f1.4 lens. This lens is a beast when it comes to capturing sharp, intimate shots, making it perfect for garages, training centres, and candid moments of drivers and teams preparing for the track.
Click here for a detailed review of my Sigma 56mm f1.4 Lens
The lens’s wide aperture (f1.4) allowed me to isolate subjects with a beautifully shallow depth of field while keeping enough detail in the surrounding environment to tell a story. Whether it was Sam adjusting his race suit or a close-up of the mechanics fine-tuning the car, this lens delivered crisp results.
On the Track: Telephoto Precision
For the high-speed track action, I switched to my Sigma 150-600mm DG DN Sports Lens. The long focal range allowed me to track the Ginetta from a distance while capturing sharp panning shots as it screamed down the straightaways and hugged the corners. The lens’s excellent stabilisation meant I could shoot handheld when necessary, delivering dynamic shots full of motion.
Click here for a detailed review of the Sigma 150-600mm DG DN Sports Lens
Interview Segments: Crystal-Clear Audio
To document the insights of Sam Shrimpton and Rachael from Ginetta, I used the DJI Wireless Mini Mics. These compact, high-quality mics ensured that every word was clear and free from background noise, even in a bustling garage.
I was also accompanied by Becs Banks of Suffolk Banks Photography and Videography, who operated a Nikon Z8 for additional B-roll and assisted as a second camera operator for interviews. Having multiple angles made the final footage more dynamic and engaging.
Car-Mounted Footage: Unique Perspectives
One of the most exciting aspects of the shoot was mounting my Sony A7IV onto a three-point suction mount to capture rolling footage of the Ginetta on track. The camera car I was driving offered unexpectedly good natural stabilisation, reducing unwanted shake and delivering cinematic results. Watching Sam push the Ginetta to its limits from this perspective added an entirely new dimension to the footage.
Delivering the Final Footage
As Sam runs his own marketing company, all footage was handed over at the end of the day for his team to edit. However, I created a quick highlights reel to showcase the key moments and give a glimpse of what we captured.
Similar Motorsport Videography Projects
My work in motorsport videography extends beyond this test day at Blyton Park. Here are some other projects I’ve covered:
- Triumph Adventure Experience (Wales) – capturing off-road motorcycle training and rider experiences. – Click here to read more
- Porsche Owners Racing Experience Day (Brands Hatch) – working with Charles Rainford to document on-track action and driver coaching.
- Hoghton Sprint Racing – featuring Marc Jordan and Karl Ford-Lissenden, focusing on classic motorcycle sprint racing. – Click here to see full video
Final Thoughts: Why Motorsport Videography is Unique
Motorsport videography presents unique challenges that make it one of the most rewarding genres to shoot. You need to be prepared for fast-moving subjects, extreme lighting conditions, and high-stakes moments that happen in a split second. Having the right gear, understanding the sport, and being adaptable in the field are crucial to producing high-quality content that truly captures the essence of motorsport.
Whether it’s a track day, a race weekend, or a private test session, the thrill of motorsport never gets old, and documenting it through videography is an adrenaline rush in itself. If you’re looking for a motorsport videographer to capture your next event, feel free to reach out!
