Getting Into Motorsport: A Girl with a Camera and a Passion for Racing

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a racetrack, with the rumble of engines in your chest, the smell of tyre smoke in the air, and thought, “I wish I could be part of this,”—then you’re already halfway there. Hey, I’m a motorsport photographer, lifelong car geek, and a girl making her way in what’s still very much a male-dominated paddock. I own iJAG Photography, and I want to let you in on a little secret: getting into motorsport doesn’t have to be expensive, elite, or out of reach. Whether you’re dreaming of racing, wrenching, or just snapping epic shots from trackside like I do, there’s room for you to join us here.

Motorsport Isn’t Just F1

Let’s get one thing straight first: motorsport isn’t all about Formula 1. Sure, I am a massive F1 fan, especially Ferrari and McLaren, but it is the glamorous tip of the iceberg. Underneath that glamour, though is a huge, buzzing world of local race meetings, club championships, grassroots teams, and photographers hustling in muddy boots and waterproofs, chasing that perfect shot. A F1 driver and each of the team members all come up through many steps over the years before they reach that pinnacle.

Some of my favourite events are run by the BRSCC (British Racing and Sports Car Club). These guys support loads of grassroots series that are way more accessible than people think—like the CityCar Cup, where drivers race 1.0L road cars like Citroën C1s, Toyota Aygos, and Peugeot 107s. It’s cheap (ish), cheerful, and fiercely competitive. Honestly? It’s one of the most fun paddocks to be around. It is also where I got my break with Student Motorsport, which races in this series too!

Understanding the Basics: What’s a Race Weekend Look Like?

If you’re new to the sport, here are a few common terms you’ll hear flying around:

• Practice – A session before the real action starts. Drivers use this to get familiar with the track and check the car is performing well.
• Quali (Qualifying) – Where lap times matter. The quicker you are, the better your grid position for the race.
• The Race – The main event. Cars battle it out for points, pride, and position.
• Paddock – No horses here! This is the behind-the-scenes area where cars are parked, tuned, and repaired. It’s where the teams hang out and prep before heading to the grid.
• The Pits / Pit Lane – The area next to the track where cars can come in for quick work—like tyre changes, refuelling, or repairs. Not every race includes pit stops, but in endurance events and higher-level racing, it’s essential.
• Box – A term you’ll hear over the team radio. If a driver is told to “box this lap”, it means they need to come into the pits.
• Tyres – Sounds simple, but tyre choice can win or lose a race. Slicks for dry weather, wets for rain, and intermediates for in-between conditions. In club-level racing, tyre wear is often a huge factor, especially on limited budgets.

It’s Never Just One Person: The Team Behind the Driver

Here’s the part that doesn’t get shown enough—motorsport is never just about the driver.

Behind every car on the grid is a team of people making the magic happen. Even in many of the grassroots races like the BRSCC’s events, you’ll find:

• Mechanics – Keeping the car running, fixing damage, and managing pre-race checks.
• Engineers – Analysing data and adjusting setup to improve performance.
• Race Strategists – Planning pit stops, managing pace, and reacting to changing conditions.
• Tyre Technicians – Monitoring temperatures and wear to get every last bit of grip.
• Team Managers – Making sure it all runs smoothly, from registration to results.
• Media & Content Creators – Like me! Capturing the story and building a brand for the team or driver.

There are also social media managers, logistics coordinators, sponsors, data analysts, and more. So even if you’re not behind the wheel, there’s a lane for your skills in motorsport. Whether you love tech, photography, writing, or organisation—there’s a job for you.

From Fan to Trackside: How to Get Involved

You don’t need to be Lewis Hamilton (other racing drivers, of course, exist and may be your favourite), or have a multimillion-pound budget to get stuck into motorsport. Here are a few starter routes:

1. Student Motorsport

A total game-changer. If you’re in college or university, and want to work in motorsport (driving, mechanics, photography, engineering, journalism, social media, you name it), Student Motorsport is an amazing gateway. You can get hands-on experience with real teams at real race meetings. Many tracks like Castle Combe and Oulton Park have events with student-run entries as well, so do your research!

2. Volunteering

Every race meeting runs a huge army of volunteer marshals, scrutineers, timekeepers, and media support. Volunteering can get you access, training, and experience—plus it’s an amazing way to meet like-minded people and build your personal or professional network. Especially prior to the start of a season local circuits will have open days and opportunities to register for marshalls training events

3. Club Racing

Like the BRSCC. You can start racing on a budget by converting a CityCar to race spec or joining other grassroots championships. There are licensing steps involved, but they’re surprisingly achievable with a good hobby budget.

4. Photography

That’s where I started. If you’ve got a decent camera, a love of cars, and a bit of guts, you can start by photographing public track days. Many tracks like Anglesey Circuit or Castle Combe have open days with fewer restrictions. Then, when you’re ready, you can apply for media accreditation with organisers like BRSCC.

Being a Girl in the Pit Lane

Let’s talk honestly for a sec. Motorsport’s still heavily male-dominated, especially trackside and behind the lens. When I started showing up with my camera, there were moments I felt out of place and even uncomfortable. But guess what? Passion speaks louder than stereotypes.

Now, I’m shooting wheel-to-wheel action at Oulton Park, capturing the buzz in the pits at Castle Combe, and watching the sun rise over the sea at Anglesey with a camera in one hand and my future in the other. You absolutely belong here, whatever your gender, background, or ambition.

My Favourite Circuits (and Why You Should Visit Them)

• Oulton Park (Cheshire): Twisty, wooded, with proper elevation changes. It’s like a motorsport rollercoaster.
• Castle Combe (Wiltshire): My home track and always buzzing with community energy. Great for spotting future stars and grassroots legends.
• Anglesey (North Wales): If you want drama, cliffs, and a sea view with your motorsport, this is the one. Stunning track, wild weather, and unforgettable photos.

Each of these venues is ideal for spectators, budding racers, photographers, and content creators who want to learn and grow. Don’t forget the classic tracks in the UK, like Silverstone and Brands Hatch. They can be a little like a cattle market to begin with, and some of the other tracks are overlooked purely because they don’t have the name, location, or history associated with them.

Getting Into Motorsport, Want to See Motorsport Through My Lens?

I share behind-the-scenes stories, epic race shots, and the realities of life on the road over on my socials. If you’re into cars, colour, and candid chaos—you’ll love it.

👉 Follow me on Instagram: @iJAGPhotographyServices
Come join me in the paddock, on the grid, and behind the camera.

If you are interested in chatting to me about being a podcast guest or even a guest blog just reach out on our contact page!

Final Thoughts

Motorsport can seem intimidating from the outside, but here’s the truth: it’s full of people who just love cars, competition, and community. Whether you’re picking up a helmet or a camera, there’s a place for you at the circuit.

And maybe I’ll see you there—camera in hand, chasing the next perfect shot.