Helen, Gareth and Zog on speed!

2012.07.13

Zog (on the left) and Gareth very kindly posed for a photo with me. Shame I look so windswept!

Gareth attached a Go Pro to one of the cars.

I had great fun taking close ups of the cars in the pitlane. This particular one had a matt finish which made it wonderful to shoot as there weren't any reflections.

I love the simple curves of this carbon fibre spoiler.

So many Mercedes!

Gareth in a thoughtful moment between drives.

I eventually caught Gareth in action on track, just as he came out of the chicane. This C63 AMG Black Edition coupé will be the star of Gareth's podcast when it is released in the autumn.

I listen to lots of podcasts, particularly while I’m travelling, and one of my favourites is Gareth Jones on Speed. Gareth, and his two friends Zog and Richard, have been making the show for eight years now, entertaining their listeners with lively discussions (and occasional video shows) about all things to do with cars and motor racing. I follow Gareth on Twitter so when I saw that he was going to be at the Goodwood Motor Circuit today for a test day with Mercedes AMG I tweeted him to say that I might pop along to say hello.

When I arrived Gareth came over to introduce himself and offered me a ride in one of the cars – how could I refuse an offer like that?! We had three laps in an E63 estate car (the fastest estate car I’ve ever encountered!) with Gareth at the wheel and me in the back, clinging on as we drifted speedily around the corners – what a thrill. Gareth also introduced me to Zog and we chatted for a while as Gareth set to work, attaching his GoPro camera to various cars to shoot material for the podcast. At the end of the morning the Mercedes folks very kindly allowed me to stay for lunch, and what a lunch it was. I was expecting a few sandwiches but no, it was a delicious three course meal! After lunch I spent some time shooting the action on track, as well as catching some shots of the cars parked up in the pitlane. Zog had to head off before the end of the afternoon so when Gareth realised he needed one more sequence to camera to complete his filming there was nothing for it but for me to act as videographer and follow him down the pitlane with the GoPro while he talked to the camera. What a wonderful way to end a fantastic day!

Thank you Gareth for being so welcoming and friendly today and putting up with me snapping away as you worked. I had a fabulous time and being able to help out with the filming at the end of the day was the icing on the cake!

Interesting !
Great details
So great report
Like the smily faces too

helys · 2012-07-13: 16:51

WOW, what an experience!! Thanks for sharing!

DancingDolphin · 2012-07-13: 17:25

Awesome, Helen!! You had a great day.....two nice-looking friendly guys, cool, fast cars and a delicious meal! Perspective and focus in #8 is fantastic....and it's speeding to my faves :))

lookagain · 2012-07-13: 17:32

Fantastic set! And you look great, Helen! Very happy - all three of you!

Eiram · 2012-07-13: 17:52

What a great adventure for you, Helen!

lgnelson · 2012-07-13: 22:50

Wow! How exciting was that! What a great day, you lucky lucky person!

Annbramwell · 2012-07-14: 03:42

WOWWWWWWWWW! What an exciting experience. You deserve such an experience Helen..... Isn't it great when you meet people who are really nice and welcoming???? Love # 8 & 10. Might I say you look absolutely fabulous... glowing!!! zoooom....

danrav · 2012-07-14: 06:12

I recognize that when we are fascinated by the speed, it had been a very, very interesting experience and your photos prove it... Even wind gave a few speed to your hair!:))

josy63 · 2012-07-14: 06:39

WOW look at you SPEED GIRL!! I bet it will take days to erase that smile from your face!! Dang what a fabulous day it must have been. Great images from the day too! Well shot by you!

SheriJ · 2012-07-14: 22:49