Day out

Ever wondered what it might be like at a motorcycle race meeting without the crowds. Imagine being able to wander anywhere round the track (not on it obviously) but near to it as the bikes zoom by.

Last month I was treated to such a day when works teams and motorbike developers descended on Snetterton in Norfolk to try out their latest improvements and possibly their latest potential riders.

True there wasn’t the roar of the crowd and no cheering, just worried looking team managers and nervous riders and lots of technicians, who dashed about looking busy – except at lunchtime.

Were they racing? Certainly there was some of that, though no formal start and no chequered flag at the end, but a considerable amount of jostling for positions and people overtaking slower riders in order to get a better line through the corners.

Of course, the marshals had to be out – that was clearly for safety reasons. There was a distinct difference between those riders who had plenty of experience and those who were clearly on the race track for the first time.

All very civilized – there was even a lunch break

Camera crews? Well there was me – and I suspect some of the motorsport companies had their video bods out producing film footage to show who had promise.

It was an interesting day – quite leisurely – at least from my point of view and I had plenty of choice of those.

Have a good Bank Holiday weekend