Willie Jackson

I overheard a conversation between two photographers, one an accredited professional standing trackside of the fence, the other confined to the spectator enclosure, at the Aston Martin Owners Club Raceday at Silverstone in October.

They were bemoaning the quantity and quality of the field in the opening race of the day, indeed being somewhat insulting of it and the lack of action.

Which showed a lack of recognition that club motorsport exists primarily for the competitor. Motor clubs such as the AMOC hire the circuit with the aim of maximising the track time and enjoyment of their racing members.

Spectators are a secondary consideration, the entry fee to the track charged by the circuit owners with no financial contribution to the club hiring the circuit. Thus the racing is what it is, with no complicated formulae, rules or handicapping used to equalise the entries and make the racing more exciting.

What you will find is a friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic bunch of drivers who will be only be too happy to chat to the interested spectator when they are not racing. Access to all areas is free, once the initial entry fee has been paid, and investigation of different vantage points around the circuit a lot easier.