Fintray Hill Climb

[Shuvi McTupya]

Just wondering if there is much PH interest in this as I don't see any threads this year.

I am pretty local so will probably wander down for a look see.

If any of 'us' are going to be there i will try and be sociable and say hello

[slipstream 1985]

Went to the last one walked about a bit, bored after 20 minutes

[Shuvi McTupya]

Yeah, I went a few years ago and and didn't stay very long either but someone told me it was a bit more interesting if you go further up the hill. I just took a walk through the pits and then watched half a dozen cars at the bottom but it wasn't very exciting.

[Davie]

Been to Doune several times and always enjoyed it. Nice location and atmosphere plus there's a cafe and an antique centre if that's your thing. Spectating is quite good, not as involved as circuit racing but some of the times guys are posting are mind blowing. Have a couple of mates who compete so the social side of it is good too. Yet to travel further afield but quite keen to do so.

[Skyedriver]

Having competed at Doune a number of times in the 80's and 90's I can vouch for the fact it's a great, but daunting hill to drive with no run off areas unlike say Harewood. If you make a mistake at Doune you are unlikely to get a second run at the hill, more likely a return to the bottom of a recovery truck.
I don't think it's quite as good now, the museum has gone and been replaced by an antiques centre. The last time I was there the surface was deteriorating but that was over 10 year ago, maybe it's been resurfaced.

[Shuvi McTupya]

Well, I popped along this afternoon for a couple of hours and had a mooch around the pits and spoke to a few of the owners etc.

As far as the actual hill climb goes its just not a great spectator event really!

[rossub]

Thanks for that feedback. I’ve never gotten around to going, but it sounds like I’ve not been missing anything. Unless you’re taking part, or know someone that is, I guess there’s not an awful lot to see.

[Shuvi McTupya]

Exactly that, it is an event for people who's hobby is doing Hill Climbing. There were probably thirty cars in the car park for spectators.

[JohnS]

Spectating used to be much better until the trees were planted in the middle section and fenced off. On a sunny day there used to be hundreds of spectators sitting in that section from where you could see about half the track.

A few of my photos from Sunday morning if anyone is interested: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FlatOutPhoto/photos/?t...

[Shuvi McTupya]

JohnS said:

Spectating used to be much better until the trees were planted in the middle section and fenced off. On a sunny day there used to be hundreds of spectators sitting in that section from where you could see about half the track.

A few of my photos from Sunday morning if anyone is interested: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FlatOutPhoto/photos/?t...

It did seem a bit silly that the guy with the microphone couldn't see the starting line through the trees..

I only noticed a couple of serious looking Photographers, and seeing as i am the white blur stood by the gate in this shot, and one of the photographers is stood there too..I suspect i know which one was you. Did you have a lady with you? Or were you the other one, swapping between two cameras with 'cannons' sticking off the front?

[JohnS]

I was the one swapping between two cameras

[Shuvi McTupya]

JohnS said:

I was the one swapping between two cameras

I think i may have mumbled a greeting at you as i walked passed

[Skyedriver]

Where have they planted trees?
East Brae?

I used to love standing opposite Oak Tree or Garden Gate and watch the likes of Kenny Allen driver up there like the car was floating.

[Shuvi McTupya]

You know where the little commentary box is near the hair pin?

The whole area behind it now has trees on.

[Davie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlG-Jz4DoBI

This was rather exciting... don't think I've ever stepped back as quickly as I did that day.

[Shuvi McTupya]

I bet the driver wasn't expecting that outcome! That looks like a faster and possibly tighter hill climb than the Fintray one.

[CO2000]

Shuvi McTupya said:

I bet the driver wasn't expecting that outcome! That looks like a faster and possibly tighter hill climb than the Fintray one.

Yes & longer too (+ great for viewing!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kufacVXlSc

[Davie]

I haven't been to Fintray or the likes but Doune is a good day out... always a busy paddock with a range of cars from a standard Fiesta to the single seats stuff and everything inbetween plus there's always a nice selection of cars in the car park too. Spectating is really good, you can walk pretty much the entire course and it's well sighted for the majority... always plenty action up at the Meadow, the height increase from entry to exit of the Meadow is crazy, it took some effort to walk up it. Granted, it'll never be as action packed as circuit racing but it's far more accessible and laid back.

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Shuvi McTupya said:

It did seem a bit silly that the guy with the microphone couldn't see the starting line through the trees..

I only noticed a couple of serious looking Photographers, and seeing as i am the white blur stood by the gate in this shot, and one of the photographers is stood there too..I suspect i know which one was you. Did you have a lady with you? Or were you the other one, swapping between two cameras with 'cannons' sticking off the front?

Aye, the spot just past the crossing gate used to be a great place to watch from as you could see down to the start line. I haven't been in about 3yrs and was shocked how high the trees have grown in the middle. Ho hum!

I was there until about 1pm with my lady and were sitting on the main hill area down near the pro Tog with all his cameras and monopod. I felt in inadequate with my one nice lens I've seen some great shots from the event, a number of which were clearly yours

I grabbed a few good ones, but generally just stuck around the hill area. It wasn't particularly busy this year, think only around 55 cars were there out of a possible 100+ on the license. Glamis was happening the same weekend along with other hillclimbs like Harewood which can explain why. Doune is well worth a visit, especially if it's a warm sunny day!

Here's one of mine from the day: