After a night of rain over the Blackdown Hills, I found myself heading toward Dunkeswell Raceway, camera in hand, for a quick visit to the October Open Practice. I only had 90 minutes before I needed to make my way to Cinderford for a Rugby match, but I knew that brief window would offer plenty of action as the weather made its gradual transformation.The track, initially damp from the overnight downpour, presented a challenge for the drivers. A thin layer of water coated the tarmac, creating a delicate balance between grip and slide. The bright morning sun had already begun its work, piercing through the scattered clouds and steadily drying the surface. I could almost see the contrast forming on the circuit – one half gleaming from the damp, the other glistening as it dried.What made the session even more interesting was the mix of karts. Some were still cautiously running on wets, their tyres working hard to manage the slick patches. Others, anticipating the improving conditions, boldly switched to slicks, hoping for faster lap times as the dry line began to emerge. The contrast between the two strategies created a captivating display of skill and adaptability.The sun’s warmth meant that the damp patches shrunk, and the drivers who took the risk on slicks started to see the benefit. Kart by kart, I captured the scene, the reflections from the wet track fading as the drying line became more pronounced. It was a race against time – not just for the drivers but for me, too. Every click of the shutter had to count.Before long, my 90 minutes were up, and it was time to pack the camera away and head for the Forest of Dean, leaving Dunkeswell behind as the sun finally claimed victory over the damp. Despite the brief visit, it was a dynamic morning that perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable nature of karting in the British weather.https://paulmitchellphotography.zenfoliosite.com/dunkeswell-raceway/oct-2024
