Mablethorpe Beach Race 2018

Mablethorpe Motorcycle Sand Racing Club - Winter 2018 - Updated 2024


Central Promenade, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, LN12 1RG

Mablethorpe Sand Racing club map of the track

As a race track based automotive sports photographer, the season is generally from March to October in the UK. So what do you do to keep your hand in during the winter months? 

Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Step forward the Mablethorpe Motorcycle Sand Racing Club. This organization has been running races on the beaches of Mablethorpe for the last 48 years, being formed in 1978. 
Mablethorpe
Mablethorpe is in the county of Lincolnshire located on the east coast of England. During the summer months it is a bustling seaside holiday town.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
During the winter the beaches are blasted by the cold wind blowing in off the North sea and are deserted except for a few hardy soles. The day I visited was no exception with a good dose of cold rain thrown in for good measure. 
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
With the lack of day trippers this makes the empty flat expanse of sand ideal for a bit of off road motorcycles and flat tracker action. Racing takes place on the main beach opposite the promenade twice a month from October to March.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
As you can imagine, this being a sea side town, there are plenty of places to get a brew and indulge in some porky products along the promenade.  
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
If like me you arrive early and the tide hasn’t quite gone out far enough for the racing to start, Mr G's Beach Café is recommended, located opposite the track. Here you can keep an on the start line and fuel up for the day.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Oliver Brindley just ahead of 62 Daniel Atter in the 500cc race.
The track is a simple oval which was running anti clockwise on my visit. The sea wall directly opposite is the main viewing area for the racing, however it's a fair way from the action. 
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
8 Andrew Chapman in the "Grass" Class.
You are going to need a big lens to get anything usable at this event; anything from 500mm and over will work. I did consider taking a large prime but the inclement weather, sand and weight put me off. I decided a super zoom would tick all the boxes. 
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Kir Armstrong is leading the Four Stroke 250cc Class championship.
The relative cheapness and light weight of these modern mega zooms make them ideal for this sort of event. However, the weather proofing on these lenses leaves a lot to be desired. 
Carl Smith in the 125cc Class.
When zooming in and out they will displace air - pop your hand over the aperture end a try it for your self. If they are moving air in and out of the barrel they can also move moisture. 
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
One waterproof camera cover with a plastic bag duck taped over it the night before, and I was good to go no matter what the North Sea weather gods had to throw at me. They did try their best, it rained all day.
The racing was broken down into young people, small bikes, big bikes and flat trackers. There was no tannoy, no announcer and no programmes so that’s as much as I can tell you. What I can say is, it's free so you can't complain really.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
18 Liam Hunt who is competing in the 9-13 year old Junior 100cc championship.
Most of the riders had embraced the holiday sprit, sporting Christmas jumpers, reindeer costumes and of course the obligatory red coats and matching Santa hats.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Jake Bell who is leading the 13-16 juniors up to 250cc class.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Andrew Grant in the Unlimited Road Bike Class.
Racing starts at 10:30 am and is all done by 13:00 which I was glad of as it was getting cold, and the light that wasn’t good to start with, was poor by the end of the racing.
Arran Butcher in the "Grass" Class.
This is an event that I will definitely visit again. Next time I will review the weather forecast and pick one of those bright sunny winter days. On the up side it is satisfying to get a good shot when the conditions are challenging.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club
Jon, from Braking Point Images based in Hull, is one of the regular photographers covering these beach racing events. His contact details are here, be sure to check out his website and the excellent photo book "Race The Waves" he has produced.
Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club

Future Race Dates. 


The Mablethorpe Sand Racing club usually hold six races over the winter, October to March. Racing start times are determined by the tide, which can vary a lot over the winter with racing starting from 8am to 1pm!


Check out the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club website for more details.

Where to take photos at the Mablethorpe Sand Racing club

Previous reports from the Mablethorpe Sand Racing.

List of services

NIKKOR 200–500mm AF-S review at the Mablethorpe Beach Race

So for our second visit to Mablethorpe for the Beach Racing we are looked at the pros and cons of owning a superzoom against a 300mm Prime.


The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction (VR) up against a Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM. 

Read more
If you have enjoyed this article please select a social media button of you choosing and share away, I thank you.
Share by: