Nigel - the trip was pretty much a dash across France and a couple of days at the circuit and then straight back. I don't find that part of Normandy and the Pay de Calais the most attractive parts of France, and we were located just a bit away from the 'prettier' part of the Loire valley.

For what they're worth, here's a few shots of the circuit and it's surroundings. (all taken with the DA* 16-50)










Phil

Nigel - I haven't really looked at the landscapes of the track yet , but like many tracks it's not that great from a landscape perspective. However, there are a couple of decent cloudscapes that I may put up.

Phil

A couple more from my recent track day in France. This time an Ultima - it is road legal, but was running on slicks and trailered to the event; and an AC Cobra 427. Not surprisingly, the Cobra wasn't out much on the first day as it was wet and c. 500 b.h.p. on a wet track is more than a little alarming!

1 - Ultima




2 - AC Cobra




Phil

These are something between the two. They are replicas in the sense that the body shells come from the original molds and are monocoques on a tubular frame, and the running gear replicates the original - so proper fully adjustable race suspension similar to that in the originals, normally with Ford V8 race engines by Rousch or similar. Engines in the replicas vary between about 302 Cu in. up to about 427 Cu in., with power outputs from roughly 350 b.h.p. upwards (to a lot!)

All of the 'original' cars were slightly different, with different engines/exhaust/gearbox combinations, different suspension geometry, and bodywork, etc.

The ones that 'Ford produced about 15 years ago' that you refer to could be the Superformance ones which are considered to be 'continuation vehicles' except with chassis numbers beginning 2xxx rather 1xxx. They're still available from new for around £200k depending on spec.

The kit cars are something else altogether. They're normally a 'look alike' shell mounted onto another cars running gear, like a Mondeo.

A few from a recent track day at the Fay de Bretagne circuit near Nantes. The track was originally developed as the test track for the French Venturi car company than ran from 1984 to 2001. The company has now been resurrected in N. America.

The cars featured are a BMW M3 E30; and two GT 40 replicas.

All taken handheld with K-5iis and Tanron 70-200 F2.8.










Phil

Really like #1, a very evocative presentation - you can virtually hear a steam whistle blowing!

Phil

Proam are also who I used before I started printing my own. I always had a very good, and fast, service from them.

Phil

Thanks for your comments and advice.

Philip - I hadn't spotted the pincushion on # 3, but you're right, thanks.

Phil

Looks more like a Newt than a Lizard to me.

Phil

I use the basic Logon system. It works well with a little practice (and a lot of care!)

Phil