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It happened at the F1 Australian GP...


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#1 cooper997

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Posted 04 April 2023 - 11:30

Lots of things happened over the four days, 30 March - 2 April 2023 at Albert Park. I was there Saturday and Sunday. Although AP circuit photos are near impossible for a fool like me, there was still enough to record a few happy snaps. So I'll try and share some here. If you were there then please add your snaps & thoughts too.

 

About the calmest place was the Albert Park lake, taken from the pontoon looking back towards Melbourne's CBD skyline.

2023-AGP-01.jpg

 

From the 3 litre generation of F1 cars, Repco Brabham BT19, on part of Repco's stand. Sunday being 97 years since the triple Champion's birth.

2023-AGP-02.jpg

 

 

Stephen



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#2 cooper997

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Posted 04 April 2023 - 11:44

The Healey compound in waiting for Sunday's F1 Driver parade.

 

2023-AGP-03.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 



#3 10kDA

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Posted 04 April 2023 - 12:03

Thanks Stephen - of all the coverage I've seen, you posted the pic of the best-looking competition car at the track.



#4 cooper997

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Posted 04 April 2023 - 22:45

Because it happened at the F1 Australian GP,,, I'm going to mix things up a bit with some 'other stuff' too.

 

The new for 2023 Gen 3 'Supercars' ran at Albert Park for the first time. There's precious little (if any) production line Camaro and Mustang in the two brands that race in the V8-engined series.

 

Saturday evening race (at what is now turn 12)... Mark Winterbottom's Camaro

2023-AGP-04.jpg

 

And Anton de Pasquale in the 'bulldozer' Mustang

2023-AGP-05.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 

 



#5 cooper997

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Posted 04 April 2023 - 23:49

I'm just putting it out there that for the 2026 F1 Australian GP rather than just the statues and banner the AGPC speak with the respective owners of the 2 World Championship cars and put together a display or track demo (or both). As during that year will see the 100th anniversary of Sir Jack, 80th for AJ and 60th since that famous third Brabham Championship.

 

 

This is the entrance to the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge where all the beautiful people mingle

2023-AGP-08.jpg

 

Williams FW07 getting ready for one lap on Sunday.

2023-AGP-09.jpg

 

 

Stephen


Edited by cooper997, 04 April 2023 - 23:55.


#6 cooper997

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 01:13

Porsche Carrera Cup has always been popular at Albert Park. Here the McElrea Racing squad set themselves up for a real photographer to capture them before heading on track Saturday evening. With Mark Bisset and I walking around together we stumbled upon them.

 

2023-AGP-06.jpg

 

and here's the Porsche's as last race Saturday, as they head down pit straight

2023-AGP-07.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#7 Ray Bell

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 03:07

Just a small question... but an important one, I feel...

 

Is the Lex Davison Trophy no longer the permanent trophy for the AGP?



#8 Porsche718

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 03:33

 

2023-AGP-07.jpg

 

 

Why would anyone pay their hard earned money to stare through that for three days. Beyond me!



#9 brucemoxon

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 04:13

Just a small question... but an important one, I feel...

 

Is the Lex Davison Trophy no longer the permanent trophy for the AGP?

 

Would appear not, Ray. They now get a circular trophy that looks like a tray, or the back side of a shield. Nice enough, but no Lex.

And frankly, none of them would know what it meant anyway.

 

BM



#10 Gary C

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 04:19

Isn't the current trophy a facsimile (or whatever you want to call it) of Jack Brabham's steering wheel from his Brabham? It's been that for quite a few years now.

#11 cooper997

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 05:57

Assuming the AGPC haven't changed the trophy style, you can see the illfated 2020 offering in post 57 here...

https://forums.autos...urne/?p=9030271

 

 

Stephen



#12 Ray Bell

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 07:53

Originally posted by brucemoxon
Would appear not, Ray. They now get a circular trophy that looks like a tray, or the back side of a shield. Nice enough, but no Lex.

And frankly, none of them would know what it meant anyway.


Well, the name really has nothing to do with the trophy...

It would have had another name altogether had Lex not died a week before it was to be presented for the first time.

I rather think it would have been called the 'Arthur Waite Trophy' or simply the 'Australian Grand Prix Trophy.' But Lex died at Sandown Park and emotions took over within the CAMS and Anthony Davison was called upon to be a part of the announcement of the trophy at Longford.

Apparently it's still floating about and used in relation to the Grand Prix somehow...

https://www.gettyima...kuva/1249917159

And the Brabham Trophy came about in the wake of Jack's death in 2014. There's a Speedcafe article still online about the change, though they say nothing about the former trophy. This trophy is supposed to represent the steering wheel from Jack's Championship-winning Cooper.

#13 Doug Nye

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 08:21

I believe the Sir Jack Brabham Trophy is based upon the design of his Cooper steering wheel, not his Brabham's.  

 

According to this item from the intertripe - sorry, internet:

 

 

He is already recognised on the current trophy which carries a laminated studded timber trim replica of the steering wheel from his Cooper Climax racing car - the vehicle he used to win his first F1 World Championship in 1959.

 

I find the trophy very attractive, but plainly artistic licence has been applied in that it does depict a traditional riveted wood-rimmed steering wheel, not at all the leather-rimmed type actually used during Jack's World Championship-winning year of 1959. The three-spoked basic Cooper design is more accurate.  

 

So let's not get picky.  It is a worthy memorial to a great Australian, and a great man.  

 

Such a pity this time round to see it awarded for such a farcical motor race.  The bureaucrats finally succeeded in losing themselves within their self-made regulatory jungle...

 

When a qualifying GP represents a mere 1/24th of the overall competition does it matter if it's red flagged with two laps to run and not re-started?   There are precedents a'plenty.  But I guess they are from times when common sense could sometimes prevail...   :rolleyes:

 

DCN



#14 cooper997

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Posted 05 April 2023 - 08:31

Evolution of the racing car nose...

 

BT19

2023-AGP-10.jpg

 

New aerodynamic Golf Cart... well actually two of many spares for Dallara F2

2023-AGP-11.jpg

 

'Aussie' Oscar kept his nose clean (and scored his first Championship point). Congratulations!

2023-AGP-12.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 



#15 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 06 April 2023 - 05:26

Because it happened at the F1 Australian GP,,, I'm going to mix things up a bit with some 'other stuff' too.

 

The new for 2023 Gen 3 'Supercars' ran at Albert Park for the first time. There's precious little (if any) production line Camaro and Mustang in the two brands that race in the V8-engined series.

 

Saturday evening race (at what is now turn 12)... Mark Winterbottom's Camaro

2023-AGP-04.jpg

 

And Anton de Pasquale in the 'bulldozer' Mustang

2023-AGP-05.jpg

 

 

Stephen

At least the cars now look l;ike Mustangs and Camaros. Relevance of those Chevs?? Not sold here in Oz so have little relevance. We will not however talk about running and racing these cars as everything is more expensive



#16 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 06 April 2023 - 05:37

Porsche Carrera Cup has always been popular at Albert Park. Here the McElrea Racing squad set themselves up for a real photographer to capture them before heading on track Saturday evening. With Mark Bisset and I walking around together we stumbled upon them.

 

2023-AGP-06.jpg

 

and here's the Porsche's as last race Saturday, as they head down pit straight

2023-AGP-07.jpg

 

 

Stephen

Porkers finishing behind the nanny car as well. One of several races that finished so inc the main GP race.



#17 cooper997

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Posted 06 April 2023 - 09:26

1931 MG C Type with the Molina Monza behind.

2023-AGP-13.jpg

 

Great to see this ex Peter Manton Elfin MG. Peter being best known for racing Minis from 1961, but spent most of his competition days before then in various Nuffield related products. This was one of just a couple of cars built by other makers that he raced.

2023-AGP-14.jpg

 

 

Stephen


Edited by cooper997, 07 April 2023 - 04:35.


#18 cooper997

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Posted 07 April 2023 - 00:41

This Australian Army Landie is a bit past troop carrying capacity. One of 3 'street machine' type vehicles they had as part of their PR display/recruitment over the AGP weekend. 

 

2023-AGP-15.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#19 cooper997

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Posted 07 April 2023 - 01:49

Mark Bisset got the 'Works' drive of Bob King's AC Ace Bristol this year.

 

Just back from the shortened Saturday afternoon Historic Demonstration

2023-AGP-16.jpg

 

Mark & Bob about to go out for Sunday's 1 lap tour

2023-AGP-17.jpg

 

Three owners from new, with this year getting the aeroscreen and grille blind fitted for the racer look

2023-AGP-18.jpg

 

 

Stephen



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#20 cooper997

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Posted 08 April 2023 - 08:16

In my attempt to find the Historics on Saturday morning, I found the F2's getting ready and lined up for scrutineering. (near the area the Historics had been nearby in 2020 and 2022)

 

 

ART Racing's Dallara for Theo Pourchaire, a couple of minutes off heading into the scrutineering bay.

2023-AGP-19.jpg

 

No shortage of drink liveried cars at Albert Park this year...a pair of HITECH Pulse Eight Dallara's of 9 Jak Crawford and 10 Isack Hadjar. Also awaiting their slot in scrutineering bay.

Beyond the background Supercars pit roof is AP's pitlane and pit straight.

2023-AGP-20.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#21 MarkBisset

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Posted 08 April 2023 - 21:02

18-FA41-FE-6978-4910-A49-A-228-AACCF4756

 

 

B83859-D1-5-B7-B-4-E15-B7-C3-044079-F813

 

 

50-CBDA8-F-A850-4-A25-A289-81-B503-AB4-Cmouse tap test

 

 

F41-E88-E6-3-F1-B-43-C0-9-D9-B-FEE8207-Amacbook keyboard test

 

 

[url=https://postimg.cc/rKb4W6nX]FB3-A8258-2289-4-F3-A-AD0-F-1452-DB63768[/ur

 

 

 

Thanks for all of the great shots Stephen,

 

What a fantastic weekend it was even if the race was a bit of a joke.

 

It was great to be able to get so close to two F2 cars on Saturday evening as we did but its annoying that having brought the cars all the way here the categories - F3 and F2 - or the AGP corp ensured enthusiasts couldn't get close to them to have a good look. We have the Pirelli technicians to thank for their placement of Zane Maloney's Dallara F2-18 Mecachrome while they did whatever they were doing 


Edited by MarkBisset, 08 April 2023 - 21:21.


#22 cooper997

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Posted 09 April 2023 - 01:29

Mark, well the F2 weren't quite as accessible as the Elfin PR Dept were doing on Sunday morning. But at least mere mortals could see the F2s at a reasonable distance. Or as you've mentioned when we stumbled upon the Pirelli techies doing their thing.Saturday evening.

 

The Elfin MR8 F5000 and 600D Repco had several people try out a racing car. Seen here with a chap in the 600D and there were a few ladies seen getting photos and selfies in them too.

2023-AGP-22.jpg

 

The only Ferrari I got to snap over the weekend

2023-AGP-21.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#23 john aston

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Posted 09 April 2023 - 06:09

I was most taken with the Formula 2 cars when I saw them last year at Silverstone . But not as much as the Formula 3 cars - a screaming , small capacity NA V6 was redolent of earlier eras. And I don't notice the HALOS at all now 

 

Back to the past, the 5000s look prehistoric now next to the F2s but they've still got it.  



#24 cooper997

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Posted 09 April 2023 - 10:06

The crane trucks had quite a busy time at Albert Park. Certainly so on Saturday morning with the F3s.

 

Here young Aussie, Tommy Smith's Van Amersfoort Racing Dallara came back a little race worn...

2023-AGP-24.jpg

 

 

Read more of his run at Albert Park by Auto Action's Thomas Miles...

https://autoaction.c...aiden-home-race

 

 

Stephen



#25 cooper997

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Posted 10 April 2023 - 08:08

Pointy end of the Historic display... Lola T330, Brabham BT17, Lola T87-30 & Williams FW07

 

2023-AGP-25.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#26 70JesperOH

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Posted 10 April 2023 - 09:08

Because it happened at the F1 Australian GP,,, I'm going to mix things up a bit with some 'other stuff' too.

 

The new for 2023 Gen 3 'Supercars' ran at Albert Park for the first time. There's precious little (if any) production line Camaro and Mustang in the two brands that race in the V8-engined series.

 

Saturday evening race (at what is now turn 12)... Mark Winterbottom's Camaro

2023-AGP-04.jpg

 

And Anton de Pasquale in the 'bulldozer' Mustang

2023-AGP-05.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 

There was a time when the #11 DJR Ford was #18 ..think Gregg Hansford and John Bowe!

 

Pictures still appreciated from the other side of the globe.

 

Jesper



#27 MarkBisset

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Posted 11 April 2023 - 04:59

EF32-A397-3459-40-E4-9907-DFAF8772-A7-E5

 

Stan Jones / Charlie Dean / Repco Research Maybach 1 was a bit of a rockstar at the meeting as one of three or four cars present that competed during the 1953 AGP weekend, and the only one present which could have, and perhaps should have won the AGP.

 

Strictly speaking the 70th anniversary is this November but the AGP Corp quite rightly had a 70th theme for this meeting - 1953 being the first Albert Park race meeting.

 

E786-A8-C9-FF41-46-DA-A412-6553-C12-E89-

 

Shots @ both Albert Park and the Governor’s bash on Thursday night 

 

D676-C2-A0-FFA8-45-F5-943-E-A482-E29-D96


Edited by MarkBisset, 11 April 2023 - 05:02.


#28 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 11 April 2023 - 08:29

There was a time when the #11 DJR Ford was #18 ..think Gregg Hansford and John Bowe!

 

Pictures still appreciated from the other side of the globe.

 

Jesper

When Team 18 was part of DJR with Charlie Scwertz. When he left he took the number.



#29 cooper997

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Posted 11 April 2023 - 10:41

ex DHMC Sebring Austin Healey 57 FAC- part of the Historic Demonstration/Display

2023-AGP-26.jpg

 

Healey's out of the compound and getting ready to take their F1 driver for a parade lap.

2023-AGP-27.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#30 cooper997

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Posted 13 April 2023 - 10:45

Some snaps from when the stars from F1 and Austin Healey merge for the parade lap...

 

The girls roared and well... George Russell loved it.

2023-AGP-28.jpg

 

Alpine’s Esteban Ocon

2023-AGP-29.jpg

 

The officials dedication means they get the photos without the fencing. McLaren's new Melbourne driver, Oscar Piastri 

2023-AGP-30.jpg

 

 

Stephen



#31 Lola5000

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Posted 13 April 2023 - 11:54

ex DHMC Sebring Austin Healey 57 FAC- part of the Historic Demonstration/Display

2023-AGP-26.jpg

 

Healey's out of the compound and getting ready to take their F1 driver for a parade lap.

2023-AGP-27.jpg

 

 

Stephen

Stunning car that Healey ,its going on a rally I organize in the norm ,but this time I'll be in the UK and Europe .and will miss out .



#32 Wirra

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Posted 14 April 2023 - 08:06

Stephen. I was at Hockenheim in '79 and was taking photos through the chicken wire. A chap next to me suggested I turn the F Stop either up or down, I can't remember which.

 

End result was almost total elimination of the wire in the photo.

 

Might be something worth researching.



#33 Doug Nye

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Posted 14 April 2023 - 08:20

Yeah but - can one turn up or down the F Stop in one's eyes?   Watching motor sport through a wire mesh proved a massive turn off for me into the '90s really.  Ever since I have happily spectated on the telly - and found it liberated so much time it was massively worth the (lack of) effort - because it enabled me to get so much else done. Essentially unless I was participating in some way, I couldn't be bothered to inflict such frustration upon myself.    :cool:

 

(Truth is - thinking further about it right now - I was so spoiled by having previously stood trackside at mesh-free Spa, Monza, the Targa, the Nordschleife, Montlhéry, Zandvoort - yeah, well, apart from the mesh in John Hugenholtz's catch fences - even Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Crystal Palace, Cadwell, Mallory, Oulton and - between consenting adults here - shhhhhhh...Snetterton   :blush: )

 

DCN



#34 2F-001

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Posted 14 April 2023 - 08:33

re. post 32

Using a wider aperture (smaller F-number) results in a shallower depth of field, so there is more opportunity to throw things nearer and further than the subject out of focus - but with that density of heavy mesh, the out-of-focus 'fuzz' that the fencing becomes soon gets obvious. And in very bright conditions you might not be able to up the shutter speed enough to compensate. With digital, you do have the option of tweaking the sensor sensitivity (analogous to ASA/ISO film rating) - and you'd have to focus manually - and it's all then a bit of a faff for hastily taken shots. (And I've no idea what kind of camera Stephen was using).

But yes, that's an otherwise sound and well-used principle!


Edited by 2F-001, 14 April 2023 - 08:40.


#35 2F-001

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Posted 14 April 2023 - 09:05

Yeah but - can one turn up or down the F Stop in one's eyes?   Watching motor sport through a wire mesh proved a massive turn off for me into the '90s really.  Ever since I have happily spectated on the telly - and found it liberated so much time it was massively worth the (lack of) effort - because it enabled me to get so much else done. Essentially unless I was participating in some way, I couldn't be bothered to inflict such frustration upon myself.    :cool:

 

I’m ambivalent about watching racing on tv (well, mostly online for the things I want to watch). I do it a lot and it means I can see events I can’t get to for whatever reason, by dint of location, cost or other commitments.  

 

But it’s not the same as being there - at the trackside I seem to get a much better impression of speed, of subtle differences between drivers and the dynamics of their cars, a better understanding of what the drivers are dealing with. And perhaps most evident of all, a sense of the elevation changes in the track (yes, even at Silverstone… for example at the ‘new’ Abbey Curve area… although Silverstone is a very long way down the list of circuits I like to go to, for a host of reasons).

 

Being ‘out and about’ at Cadwell Park or Brands full circuit for example is a great day out - a good walk through the woods, a huge variety of scenery and viewing points (of one’s own choosing, not that of a tv director or camera positioning). And you can see the action all the way down the field - not all of the entertainment is concentrated at the front. Being able to wander around the paddocks and pits is good too - bumping into old acquaintances and being introduced to new ones.

 

But as for mesh fencing - yes, it does contribute in a major way to diminishing the trackside experience; at some venues in particular - especially when the rest of the environment feels inhospitable (and yes, I’m thinking of Silverstone here). When the topography, scenery and sporting action beyond the mesh is more interesting, it seems to matter much less. And I've mostly given up on taking on-track action photos; aside from the reduced access to clear spots, it gets in the way of following the racing.

 

I can’t get to MM80 this weekend, so I’ll be watching some of that online - and I’m very grateful for being able to do so. The racing is routinely entertaining and the coverage good; but on balance I think I’d rather be there…


Edited by 2F-001, 14 April 2023 - 09:12.


#36 Sterzo

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Posted 14 April 2023 - 10:10

 

But it’s not the same as being there -

Have given a like to the post as a whole, but this bit deserves thunderous applause.

 

A flood of cars or bikes thundering past on the first lap, or watching that oscillating gap between 17th and 18th places, and sensing the sheer effort of the competitors... it cannot be matched.



#37 cooper997

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Posted 15 April 2023 - 09:02

I appreciate the sentiment in trying to teach an old dog new tricks on the camera front, but these are just happy snaps taken with a now ancient digital. The results of being that no professional photographer need worry about having me steal their job or F1 course credentials. Essentially just happy to share with fellow enthusiast who are often nowhere near the scene of the crime.

 

Best advice I probably should have taken on, was when a large group of us took part in a Mark Bisset-organised evening during last year's AGP, I asked a professional photographer who frequents this forum if he's taken some photos. His response was along the lines of "I didn't even bother to bring my gear, because you can't get anything decent." But with expectations set at a lower level, I perhaps foolishly persist.

 

Roll forward to 2023 and I was walking around with Mark on Saturday arvo/evening as we approached the outside of Turn 12 with the Supercars about to have their run, I made the statement to him that "These will probably all be fails" based on my expectations of trying to get something past the fencing. When I looked at them a couple of days later on the computer, that was indeed the case, but there was a few ok. After the Supercars we went and tested out a beer as we sat briefly while Porsches strutted their stuff as nighttime (and rain) descended on Albert Park.

 

Simply enjoying some atmosphere with a mate.

 

 

Stephen



#38 lyntonh

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Posted 15 April 2023 - 09:56

I appreciate the sentiment in trying to teach an old dog new tricks on the camera front, but these are just happy snaps taken with a now ancient digital. The results of being that no professional photographer need worry about having me steal their job or F1 course credentials. Essentially just happy to share with fellow enthusiast who are often nowhere near the scene of the crime.

 

Best advice I probably should have taken on, was when a large group of us took part in a Mark Bisset-organised evening during last year's AGP, I asked a professional photographer who frequents this forum if he's taken some photos. His response was along the lines of "I didn't even bother to bring my gear, because you can't get anything decent." But with expectations set at a lower level, I perhaps foolishly persist.

 

Roll forward to 2023 and I was walking around with Mark on Saturday arvo/evening as we approached the outside of Turn 12 with the Supercars about to have their run, I made the statement to him that "These will probably all be fails" based on my expectations of trying to get something past the fencing. When I looked at them a couple of days later on the computer, that was indeed the case, but there was a few ok. After the Supercars we went and tested out a beer as we sat briefly while Porsches strutted their stuff as nighttime (and rain) descended on Albert Park.

 

Simply enjoying some atmosphere with a mate.

 

 

Stephen

I feel your frustration....

 

When the Grand Prix came to Adelaide in 1985 I dutifully packed my camera gear on the first day, anticipating my return to the days of five rolls of film a day.

 

As a General Admission spectator I soon realised that the idea was futile, as everywhere on the circuit had us penned in behind the 'pig-netting'.

 

I tried the tricks with wide apertures, but it killed the shutter speed, and added heaps of blurred images, all smeared with the grey caste of the 'out of focus' fencing.

 

The camera stayed home for the rest of the meeting, and I adapted to being a watcher.

 

The next year we had grandstand seats on the back straight, but the fence still obscured the view enough to compromise any photos.

For the remaining events in Adelaide I remained a camera-free zone.

 

When the mob over the border committed their much-gloated crime of thievery, I amused myself by seeing the television pictures confirm that the chums with cameras in the outer were suffering as we had.

 

When they opened the circuit at The Bend in 2018, proclaiming its high status in FIA circuit design, I shuddered.

Not another case of 'bird in a galvanised cage' view of motor racing......please no !

 

Mercifully, not being a street circuit, there are numerous areas 'free' from the prison bars, allowing pixels to be rearranged as racing cars.

 

Cheers

 

Lynton.



#39 Nick Planas

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Posted 15 April 2023 - 09:57

Yeah but - can one turn up or down the F Stop in one's eyes?   Watching motor sport through a wire mesh proved a massive turn off for me into the '90s really.  

 

DCN

Likewise. It started for me at Brands in 1976; like being in a zoo cage.

 

And I get the comments about being there. I used to compromise by toddling along to Silverstone for the F1 testing, get my annual / bi-annual 'fix' of the sheer brutality of the sound and speed of the cars. Now they're not allowed to test either, so my annual fix is limited to the Classic.

 

Being there was also great for the spectacle but less great for things like... the commentary, which was barely audible at the best of times, and certainly not when the racing was on. My brother (who is still a timekeeper) helped by being an ace with the lapchart so we could get a picture of the action all down the field.

 

Advantage of the TV coverage (if it's well done) is being able to track the action - and I now follow it at the same time with the live timing on YouTube...   and then when the race is over I can go back to other things



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#40 cooper997

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Posted 15 April 2023 - 10:50

Lynton, if the Great Walls of a GP street circuit beat you then I have no hope.

 

 

Back to 2023... when these 4 cars appeared in readiness for a pit straight appearance I knew something was on the cards to help celebrate 70 years since Albert Park (in it's original, anti-clockwise form) held its first Australian GP meeting.

 

2023-AGP-31.jpg

 

2023-AGP-32.jpg

 

2023-AGP-33.jpg

 

2023-AGP-34.jpg

 

This was the result on the startline borrowed from social media...

https://www.facebook...240342134460666

 

 

Stephen

 



#41 lyntonh

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Posted 15 April 2023 - 11:29

Lynton, if the Great Walls of a GP street circuit beat you then I have no hope.

 

 

Back to 2023... when these 4 cars appeared in readiness for a pit straight appearance I knew something was on the cards to help celebrate 70 years since Albert Park (in it's original, anti-clockwise form) held its first Australian GP meeting.

 

2023-AGP-31.jpg

 

2023-AGP-32.jpg

 

2023-AGP-33.jpg

 

2023-AGP-34.jpg

 

This was the result on the startline borrowed from social media...

https://www.facebook...240342134460666

 

 

Stephen

I've taken a fair amount of 'ordinary' shots from a spectator's viewpoint in my time, but even I have my limit !



#42 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 16 April 2023 - 07:23

While I agree with the comments re fencing. Heavy mesh fencing is far from ideal, chainwire is better, But only when the coating has gone 'off'. Shiny mesh is terrible. Many years ago North Arm bike speedway had a national event and they went crazy with paint to tart the place up,, the painted the wire all silver and it was bloody terrible. I believe they painted it black afterwards.

These days you can buy black chainwire

Similar when I built a 6 foot high tubular fence at my car yard. All galv, reject Hills Hoist beams. Could not see in,, painted it all black and the vision was ok. And it kept most of the thieves out. Though in the stretch of road I was in the pricks still robbed me regualarly. And my fence was the most secure of the lot!

BUT, like so many things that piss people off about modern motorsport is liability insurance. No catch fences=no insurance= no motorsport. And it will never get better.

 

I went to 2019? dog and pony show [akaClipsal] in the parklands,, free, would never pay and left about 3 hours later,, could not see jack. 

And I believe Albert Pk is even worse.

This it seems does not matter in the US, primarily speedways where the cars get out way too often,, drag racing much the same. Aussie speedways are about 100% better

Even watching Goodwood today there are decent fences,,about 4 foot high and components would get past them very easily. These days it tends to scare me though watching some old GP crashes in Europe  in the early 90s big turn 1 crashes and wheels going everywhere,, inc out into the crowd. Now that was scarey!!



#43 2F-001

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Posted 16 April 2023 - 08:57

At Portimao (on Friday, I think) at the WEC event, a car in support-race practice (at least I'm assuming it was practice?) went off track, across the run-off and gravel, over the tyre wall and crash barrier, over a walkway, through the debris fencing -- and ended up perched atop half a dozen or more rows of seats up in a grandstand.

There are some alarming pictures online. (There were a small number of folks in the stand, but fortunately not near where the car came to rest).

 

I don't know if tells us that we need more, higher, stronger fencing - or that there is no point in bothering with it at all!



#44 cooper997

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Posted 16 April 2023 - 11:52

From when the Healey's went out for the F1 Drivers' Parade to the end of the race I just stayed at the pit straight opening/ flag point. Not what you'd call the premium spot, but you saw the cars go past in a blur and heard the DRS kick in. It was the officials flag point 14-4 (IIRC)

 

As most of us are aware without the officials all forms of motor sport, the world over, would not happen. So as a salute to all their dedication here's a few snaps of the guys and girls directly in front of me for the time I was there (and the long days and hours they officiated before I plonked).

 

The officialsl pre-race gather for final instructions

2023-AGP-35.jpg

 

As most will be aware the red flag got a serious work out at Albert Park. The following photos show the officials who all left with  RSI...

 

Red Flag #1

2023-AGP-36.jpg

 

Red Flag #2

2023-AGP-37.jpg

 

Red Flag #3

2023-AGP-38.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 



#45 Ray Bell

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Posted 17 April 2023 - 03:49

It's not like the old days, Stephen...

 

These days the various marshals are given assistance to be there at the very least. In times gone by all we got was a couple of sandwiches and a piece of fruit.



#46 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 17 April 2023 - 06:00

At Portimao (on Friday, I think) at the WEC event, a car in support-race practice (at least I'm assuming it was practice?) went off track, across the run-off and gravel, over the tyre wall and crash barrier, over a walkway, through the debris fencing -- and ended up perched atop half a dozen or more rows of seats up in a grandstand.

There are some alarming pictures online. (There were a small number of folks in the stand, but fortunately not near where the car came to rest).

 

I don't know if tells us that we need more, higher, stronger fencing - or that there is no point in bothering with it at all!

Looking at that the car it appears rode up over the tyres through the chain wire. MotorRacing is dangerous, just like it says on the tickets.

The catch fence was not strong enough,, it appeared to be chainwire with a heavy wire reinforcement every metre or so. So in most circumstances adequate. Though many speedway tracks here in Oz have heavy cable minstead of wire. And ofcourse slope back towards the track.

A decade or so again at Murray Bridge speedway a sprintcar got hung up on said style of fence. Though a sprinter is a LOT  lighter and slower on a 360 metre dirt oval to a  fat Porker on a road course. 

Answer?? Damned if you and damned if you dont. A concrete wall is more efficient but tends to kill drivers,, tyre walls that are higher? But then restrict vision and take forever to repair. I suspect the gravel needed to be tilled and ofcourse the wing when the car is going backwards gives lift. And the bumps in said gravel probably gave liftoff.

Gravel is more user friendly and does not pack down as quick than sand though freshly tilled sand seems to 'grab' cars better. The kerbs may have nullified the gravel trap as a backward car gets launched by them.

As I said damned if you do and damned if you do not. My thoughts are IF the catch fence was on top of the wall it may have been more effective. Though may not have been either. The hated weldmesh would not have torn open as easily


Edited by Lee Nicolle, 17 April 2023 - 06:03.


#47 cooper997

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Posted 17 April 2023 - 11:28

Come Monday morning the local media (and perhaps international, as well) were going on about a breach of track safety before the circuit was officially closed. Putting it simply, that was not helped by the final red flag. The natives were restless. .

 

Those of us standing in the section near the officials were in general only 4 or 5 deep for a fair slice of proceedings. But as the young chap from the AGPC, some extra security staff and Police arrived and readied themselves for an onslaught it was always going to be a hiding to nowhere. As I was standing against a strand wire fence with bunting it was potentially a bad position to be. The implication of being sliced and diced didn't exactly appeal. Especially as the race went on (or not), turning around to see crowds had multiplied by a major factor (and was still growing). Too late to try for an exit stage left, right or backwards (although a skyhook may have helped). But it didn't stop a loud female and her quiet boyfriend coming from nowhere and wedging herself between myself and the chap I had stood next to since before race start. Whatever the lolly water she'd been on wasn't Heineken 0.0 or standard issue Red Bull! For that 30 minutes she was making it known she was going over the strand wire fence...

 

The AGPC chap and those deployed to help.get the officials (and gear out) before the crowd swallowed them up tried hard to inform the masses (a form of loud speaker would have helped). There had been a group of dills get over the fence to my left at which point the AGPC chap gave them a stern warning to stop. Surprisingly they did! But as the 2 gates opened and the officials headed through with the wheelie bins full of gear, it was on for young and old. And yes my new found lady friend helped flatten the star picket and hence strand wire fence pushed near on 90 degrees towards the ground. At which point I took the self preservation mode and stepped over the flattened fence and got myself to beside the concrete barrier and fence that had hindered my happy snaps. Safest place to be until the crowd had dispersed through the gates and the oh so squeezy flag point.

 

After about 10 minutes, with the 6 police officers standing on the concrete wall and one tasked with letting out a very stern "STOP PUSHING!" and finger point, things finally simmered down enough for me to consider joining the pit straight foot traffic. But not before the AGPC chap mentioned "There was not much else we could do." True... apart from have one of these bad boys deployed from Aussie Army stores at each point. (as per part of the AGP Army display)...

2023-AGP-39.jpg

 

Taken after the crowd on the outside of the concrete wall had joined the inside...

2023-AGP-40.jpg

 

 

Stephen

 

    .  


Edited by cooper997, 18 April 2023 - 10:24.


#48 john aston

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Posted 18 April 2023 - 07:25

Another effect of Drive to Survive is the increase in rude , tribal ,  uninformed ,self proclaimed 'fans' with a well -honed sense of entitlement and the belief they are starring in their own soap opera . I am pleased to report that no such beastliness was in evidence at Brooklands    Goodwood last weekend - just the tragically ill advised clothing sported by the more extrovert spectators .     


Edited by john aston, 18 April 2023 - 07:26.


#49 ellrosso

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Posted 18 April 2023 - 10:14

I found it very hard going from the Adelaide GP track to Melbourne and not just in terms of photographing from the spectator areas. I felt very spoilt by the 1985, '86 GP's - the cars and drivers were absolutely top shelf, the track was great and the racing was fantastic.

Adelaide embraced the whole package and the atmosphere was just wonderful. You could walk to many different areas with little rectangular gaps in the catch fencing with just enough clear area to shoot with a 500mm or 600mm lens - as long as the accredited shooters were not filling up

the space.

I was at the first Melbourne GP in 1996 and it was a good event, the cars were still exciting to watch, the drivers were top shelf and the racing was good - but, for me, it just wasn't as good as Adelaide had been. It was harder to shoot there and the backdrops were a bit devoid of character to my eye at least.

I took a shot of Schumacher which one of my advertising clients bought for a campaign but that was about the only highlight for me.

I went back in 2015, 2017 and 2022 and by 2017 I vowed not to even take my gear as there was only one vantage point left with my 500mm lens where i could get a clear shot without catch fencing. And the shots I took were nothing special anyway - I've taken better shots at Eastern Creek.

By 2022 even that spot was gone. And the cars, well the attached shot of Ricciardo from 2017 says it all really. Compare that to Schumacher's Ferrari from 1996 or Mansell's Williams Honda from 1985-86 (and don't forget the sound!!!!!).

Call me a boring old fart with rose coloured glasses but I just feel pretty disappointed with it to be honest (you can add the chaos of the 2023 race in the mix too - although I really enjoyed the F2 racing i saw - great stuff).

Enough rant - here's some pics to look at...

TNF2533-R-Shum-96.jpgTNF9924-R-Merc-15.jpgTNF10023-R-Rosb-15.jpgTNFRicciardo0035.jpgTNF-AGP-20170068.jpg



#50 cooper997

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Posted 18 April 2023 - 11:30

Getting directly across from the outside to the inside of pit straight was like negotiating a rapid flowing river. Most of the crowd heading towards the finish line, saw a mug trying to cut across them another piece of poor judgement. But post race parc ferme was across there. 

 

Even squezing an SLR lens between the fencing bars wasn't the easiest, but when opportunity pokes you in the eye...

 

Two crane trucks and 2 Alpines. The Ocon example needing a bigger bin.

2023-AGP-41.jpg

 

 

 
2023-AGP-42.jpg
 
 
Stephen

Edited by cooper997, 18 April 2023 - 11:31.