Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 06:53 Written by Mark Tuesday, 19 January 2010 23:04
Well it was inevitable and is finally happening, the closure of an Australian iconic motorsport venue. It has been announced that Oran Park will close on the 25/01/2010. I was lucky enough to attend and photograph the final Supersprint event held by the NSWRRC (New South Wales Road Racing Club) . As expected it was a well attended event with many drivers using it as the last chance to drive the track, as well as compete in the first round of the 2010 CAMS Supersprint Championship.
Like many motorsport enthusists, this track will hold special memories, whether competing, working as an official or as a spectator. My involvement with Oran Park started 17 years ago, competing in Go Karts with the Sydney Karting Racing Club. Over the last few years as a photographer cover events from Drift to Truck racing. I will miss this track.
These are a few selected images taken from the Supersprint event. Hope you enjoy.
Jason Naidoo in his Evo 8 MR, set the 8th fastest lap time for the day.
Impressive Nissan GTR R35, driven by Duncan Forrest
Serious air time..! Steven Lacey in his Torana SS. Note to self "use a faster shutter speed next time"
Always well presented MNR Vortx R1, driven by Adam Savic
Ovidiu Zaberca in his Evo set the 3rd fastest lap time. Wheel up over the flip-flap.
Driving the fastest lap of the day, Stewart Inwood in the Nissan GTR 33.
Datsun 120Y using all the track. Driven by Mark Sattler
Slowing the shutter speed down for effect, taken @ 1/30th. Neil Du Pau in the Radical Prosport
Phil Abrahams, Lotus Elise
Turn 4 shot of Laura Kennedy in the Ford Fairlane 500.
No Afternoon sun made this shot more dramic. Matthew Howard, Van Diemen RF 91 set the 2nd fastest time of the day.
I like this shot for something different. Laura Kennedy, Ford Fairlane 500.
All the event photos can be viewed in the motorsport gallery section of the website. A further selection of photos can be viewed in my flickr gallery http://www.flickr.com/photos/markeldridge/sets/72157623110088711/
That is a wrap up from Oran Park, see you at another track soon.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Last Updated on Monday, 21 December 2009 19:25 Written by Mark Monday, 21 December 2009 18:30
This being my last motorsport coverage for 2009, I thought it would be a good idea to put together some of my favorite shots from this event. Hills District Car Club HDCC held the event on the Oran Park GP circuit 20/12/09. I was suprised by the large family involvement in running the event. Local club motorsport would seem to be struggling to get people involved as officials over recent times. HDCC must be doing something right keeping people coming to motorsport events. Keep up the good work!
Hope you enjoy..!
All photos from the event are in the motorsport gallery section of this site. A few more selected images can also be viewed @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/markeldridge/sets/72157623035333012/
So thats it for motorsport shoots till 17/1/2010 for me, have a Merry Christmas and safe New Year.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 September 2009 17:17 Written by Mark Monday, 28 September 2009 23:25
With the lifting of a quick Dust Storm on the way to the track, it was going to make it an interesting day's shoot. NSW Road Racing Club were using the whole track GP circuit for this Supersprint event. Arriving at the track and signing on I headed to the final corner before the main straight to shoot using the morning sunlight.
Mark Lowing and Brian Metcalfe pushing each other though out the session.
Anton Polkamp's 76 Gemini being driven to the limit of grip and engine temp.
Brett Lewis' helmet made for a great image. Car: Bolwell Mark 4. 
During track clean up. I look for interesting shots around the track.
Cliff Church's matt black Ford Coupe looked and sounded great on the track.
The 2.0L Gemini of Thomas Koliomiltos recorded a time of 1:29.09 around the GP circuit.
Adam Savic's MNR Vortex RT+ was the last shot taken with my wide angle zoom lens before it expired. 
Robert Jordan in his LJ Torana around turn 2. Always makes for an interesting shot.
Another turn 2 shot. Volkswagan driven by Christian Hansen.
A rare mistake by Steven Lacey. He was having great battles all day with Alan Moses in the great looking Torana.
More turn 2 action with tis lock up before the corner by Aidan Curlewis.
A popular spot for photographer's on the exit of the esses. It's interesting to watch the different lines driven. Bradley Harris, Suzuki GTi.
Sutton's never fails to provide good action shots. Aaron Hoad provided it this time, cutting it in his Holden Ute.
That wrapped up a very cold and windy day at the track, that made shooting a real challenge at times. But this was just a warm up for the Enduro on Sunday...... Be sure to check back in the coming week for my blog on that event.
I also have a selection of shots from the day @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/markeldridge/sets/72157622347699851/ and the gallery section has a full listing of photos from the day.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article.
Mark