About

Long ago, somewhere around 1968 I heard That Certain Sound. While others at the time wanted to either dance or fight in the streets I just wanted to race. Actually I was never one for driving, so becoming a photographer was the next best thing. Of course back I was still at school but drew inspiration from monthly doses of Motor Sport….……powerful JuJu.

Michael Cotton, Andrew Marriott, Mike Lawrence and Denis Jenkinson inspired me to follow this course…..as did Pete Lyons and others………blame them for this mess. Also throw in Pedro Rodriguez and Jo Siffert plus Porsche 917s and Ferrari 512s to the mix and it becomes a perfect storm.

But it is not just looking back, 2011 is shaping up to be a great year, with the InterContinental Le Mans Cup giving endurance racing a proper setting.

Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride.

46 thoughts on “About”

  2. Peter Brandon

    Hi John

    I’ve read your appreciation for Soames Langton. Could you contact me, I’ve a question. Thanks.

    Peter

    Reply ↓
  3. Arjen

    Hey John,

    Always good to see you @ a racetrack around the world. It was fun again in Spa. Shot a couple of nice pictures, some even feature yourself. If you´re interested let me know.

    See you in Silverstone for the ILMC race.

    Take care.

    Regards, Arjen Bleeker

    Reply ↓
  4. Carlo

    Great job John!
    Remember your photos at dsc and sprortscarpros. Happy that Murphy the Bear gave us the link. Really great photos from present and past.

    Reply ↓
  5. Tommaso

    Hi John,

    I just ran into your blog by chance, and I think it is very interesting. I am an Italian master student of journalism, based in London, and a freelance journalist.

    I am about to write a piece about Luigi Chinetti, as part of my final project for Uni, because I was born in the very 5,000-people village were Luigi Chinetti was born, back in 1901 (Jerago con Orago, in the province of Varese).

    I see you know Luigi Chinetti Jr., and it would be great if you could get in touch with me :). You have my e-mail, so please, if you want to make me happy… you know how to contact me! And I will explain you better what I have in my mind.

    Hope to hear from you soon!

    Tommaso

    Reply ↓
      1. Oleg Sendzyuk

        Love the Le Mans stuff. Do you have any Super Touring pics from the 90’s? Especially the insane BTCC years.

        Reply ↓
        1. John Brooks Post author

          Afraid not, covered very few 90’s BTCC races, disliked the whole banger racing concept………….also racing in the UK never appealed after following Group C

          Reply ↓
  7. Geoff Dutch

    Hello David,
    My name is Geoff Dutch from NSW Australia.
    I noticed your wonderful photos of the Fiat 1500 c6 engined 1950 LeMans
    car No 37 – Boulevard Pe’ripherique DoubleDeClutch.com.
    I was particularly interested in the shot of the engine, as I have an engine and gearbox
    which appears to be very similar to it-right down to the twin brass Weber carburetors.
    The engine was fully rebuilt some 40 years ago and sealed up since then.
    I have recently prepared and run the engine and wish to sell it- hopefully to someone who can make the best use of it. I have posted a video of the engine ( it has a magic sound) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAtyFbOhVMg .
    I would greatly appreciate any help you could give in regard to advising me of any contacts you could give with a view to finding a potential buyer.
    Hope you can help in some way.
    Kind regards,
    Geoff Dutch.

    Reply ↓
  8. Keith Nisbet

    Hi John,

    It was good to meet you at Brooklands today, I’m the yank GI with the “tash” that spoke about photography.

    I hope you had a great day, I look forward to seeing your pics as I didn’t get my camera out all day!!!

    Nice blog my compliments.

    Keith

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Keith

      I have been a bit tardy in posting from Brooklands, been on my travels and finishing the Le Mans movie.

      I have loads of stuff to put up over Christmas…………Compliments of the Season to you.

      jb

      Reply ↓
  9. ERDA

    Hey John,
    I just ran into your blog by chance (thanks to Sam…sniffermedia.com
    Any chance to read about BRM P160 Yardley (Jo Siffert and Pedro Rodriguez)

    See you in April at Le Castellet with your book (Karim Ojeh present)

    Eric (from Signes)

    Reply ↓
  10. Carl

    Hi John, Where did you take the photo of the truck used in the great train robbery? where abouts do they show it?

    If you can please email me back much appreciated.

    Thankyou Carl

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Florent

      apologies but I somehow missed this comment when you posted it, sincere apologies for that.

      I have an extensive archive with Viper material from 1998 through to the end of their reign around 2005/2006.

      We spoke ages back and you were considering a Viper book…………certainly I can provide photographic material or any other services connected with getting such a project to print such as sub-editing and writing copy.

      I am away from base right now but will be back at the end of next week.

      Best wishes

      John Brooks
      Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
      +44 208 398 3507
      +44 7767 444 314
      http://www.drivingline.com/contributors/john-brooks/
      http://www.doubledeclutch.com
      http://www.johnbrooksphoto.com
      John@DoubleDeClutch.com
      five00mm@hotmail.com
      http://www.sportscarpros.com

      Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Sam

      if it fits with the other content on DDC I would have no problem running it or anything else that you consider would be appropriate.
      I run a website that tries to reflect the positive side of motoring and motor sport. It is not a commercial enterprise nor do I wish to promote anyone’s business but if there is something that will interest the readers then fire away.

      jb

      Reply ↓
  13. Sean

    Hello,

    I see several great pictures of the Doyle Risi Ferrari 333sp from the 1999 season. I am specifically interested in the 1999 Sebring photo of car #11. Do you sell prints or provide a digital format that allows for printing?

    Reply ↓
      1. Sean

        Thanks for the reply. Great website I also enjoyed sportscarpros. I look forward to hearing from you when you have time.

        Reply ↓
        1. John Brooks Post author

          Sean

          not for the first time my best intentions are dashed on the rocks of failing memory and poor record keeping. Apologies………………

          You expressed interest in the Doyle Risi Racing 333SP at Sebring in 1999. Any shot in particular? Where are you based as that will determine the method of deliver?

          jb

          Reply ↓
  14. jacob roberts-mensah

    Hi John

    I hope all is well! I know you are super busy but just wanted to introduce myself.

    I recently worked on an infographic on the past, present and future of cars and would love for you to see it. I hope we did all of your classic car favourites proud, please let me know your thoughts
    http://historyofcars.lookers.co.uk/

    Reply ↓
  15. Ian musson

    Hi John. We had a conversation at the first corner at Spa-Francorchamps prior to the start of the WEC race. You kindly offered me advice on covering the Nürburgring 24 hour. Any information you could give me would be greatly received.
    Have a good time next week sitting in the sun with a drink in your hand,

    Regards Ian Musson

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Ian

      it is this week that I am lounging around in Spain, next week it is Ireland, plenty of booze but no sun I predict.

      Nordschleife? I am not sure that I am the best person to ask…………I missed it last year and there were many new restrictions introduced post-Mardenborough. My information may be out of date. At the press centre there is a map available with the various red zones and photo opportunities around the track. I also recall there being a shuttle service will drop you off and pick up – you will need to check that. Ask the staff they are really good.

      Getting around takes forever, so plan on doing a few things well rather than rushing around trying to get to the whole track. I would suggest that you shoot at Karussell, on drivers’ right. The corner is run by British marshals who are friendly. You can follow the trail up past Hohe Acht, Wipperman and down to Brunnchen where there is a tunnel to allow you get on to the other side, thus picking up a shuttle.

      Make as many friends with the British photographers as you can, they may be able to advise on other locations such as Swalbenswanz. Shots inside the new stadium lack atmosphere but drivers’ right on the first corner gives an opportunity to get cars in the dark without having to trek to the other side of the planet. The pits during the race are interesting to say the least, chaos reigns, but somehow everyone gets by…………the grid is also a good place to get atmosphere shots…………..all of this depends on how much time you have.

      Not much substance I am afraid but I am sure you will figure it out for yourself.

      Finally it is a highly dangerous place, use your head to make a proper risk assessment and if it feels wrong, walk away. No shot is ever worth getting hurt.

      OK back to the cerveza

      jb

      Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      David

      thanks for your interest in my website and its content.

      Unfortunately I have a policy of not giving my work away. I am a full time automotive writer/photographer/pr rep so I depend on my output to support my modest lifestyle and I reckon that I am too old to benefit from the limited exposure a credit might possibly accrue.

      The reward does not necessarily have to be money, though that is the most acceptable form, perhaps there is an interesting project that you wish to highlight that will allow me to get published elsewhere, perhaps a piece about the company who are leaders in their field.

      Sorry if this is not the answer that you wanted but I have to try and protect my interests.

      Have a great weekend.

      jb

      John Brooks
      Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
      +44 208 398 3507
      +44 7767 444 314
      http://www.drivingline.com/contributors/john-brooks/
      http://www.doubledeclutch.com
      http://www.johnbrooksphoto.com
      http://www.sportscarpros.com

      Reply ↓
  20. Ayzonfire

    Dear John !!

    I see lot of pics about Panoz cars in some articles
    I’ll be interested to speak with you with my private mail, possible ?
    Thanks and congrats for all your articles, always brillants !!!

    Reply ↓
  21. Carlo

    Hello John,

    I’ve been at Le Mans for the first time in 1992, rather by chance than by choice. Since then I’ve returned there every year. When the internet began to grow up, I’ve seen your photos at dailysportscar and sportscarpro. In 2005 I started photography and later in 2011 I took my camera to the great 24h. I’d like to share some photos with you I’ve taken round cirircuits in 2017. Thx for the inspiration and maybe a comment. http://carlo.bingen.photos

    Reply ↓
  22. Anuj Agarwal

    Hi DoubleDeClutch Team,

    My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.

    I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog DoubleDeClutch has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Motorsport Blogs on the web.

    https://blog.feedspot.com/motorsport_blogs/

    I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Motorsport Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!

    Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.

    Best,
    Anuj

    Reply ↓
  23. Jameson Evans

    Hello John,

    I’m helping out some guys trying to make a mod for a game based on the 1998 FIA GT Championship, but they’re having issues finding an image of the #28 GT300 NSX from Suzuka that year. I was wondering if you happened to have a picture of that car since you were at that race. It would be a huge help!

    Jameson

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Lee

      I thought I sent the reply below a few days back…..not sure that I did

      jb

      John Brooks
      Attachments
      Mon, 3 Dec, 10:10 (5 days ago)
      to lee

      Lee

      thank you for your email concerning the photo from ALMS Texas 2001 and Porsche 996 GT3 R #692070

      Looking at the attached chassis record I attended all of the events listed except PLM and Adelaide in 2000. I had someone shoot a limited amount of film for PLM and can contact photographers who did cover the Australian race if required.

      All of the races were shot on film except Texas 2001 which was the first time I used a digital camera. I have a combination of film and digital from there though the size and quality of the files is a long way from the images produced today on modern cameras.

      I have not yet reached 2000 in my digitisation program, so would have to locate the slides in my archive and scan in, not the work of a moment. In addition the scans then would need editing and retouching, again a time consuming process. I do have a limited selection of files already scanned in from the time, so it would depend on what your requirement was and how much material you needed as to how quickly I could turn an order round.

      My normal rate for each file is £50 plus VAT but I do offer dealers like yourself a reduced rate of £40 per file in the anticipation of repeat business. I am assuming that you are wishing to purchase the files to ensure accuracy of the livery and to create a portfolio of photos for a prospective owner.

      My archive of endurance racing is fairly extensive from 1995 to the present day (BPR/FIAGT/ALMS/Rolex/LeMans/SRWC/ELMS/Blancpain and other events).

      I also manage two other photographers’ archives dating back to the start of this century. I have an extensive list of other photographers who have been colleagues over the years and I can usually find even the most obscure items.

      I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

      jb

      Reply ↓
  26. Desgrippes Bernard

    bonjour,
    je voudrais obtenir l’autorisation de publier la photo re^présentant le Bédélia vert photographié par David Blumlein.
    Est-ce possible qu’il m’autorise à utiliser sa photo pour illustrer un livre que j’écris sur un habitant de ma ville qui en a possédé une en 1915 et don je n’ai qu’une photo prise d’assez loin ?
    Merci de me répondre
    Cordialement
    Bernard Desgrippes Domfront
    Normandie

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Sir

      thank you for your enquiry.

      I will speak to David next week but I do not see a problem with using the photo.

      I will reply to you as soon as I have an answer.

      jb

      Reply ↓
  27. Leigh Greenham

    Hi John, I would like to find some specific images from the 1980 and 81 Grand Prix seasons, so perhaps you can email me and I will give you the details in case you may be able to help.

    Thanks.

    Leigh

    Reply ↓
    1. John Brooks Post author

      Leigh

      somehow this slipped past me.

      I am afraid that I am not the best person to ask as I did not really follow F1 in those days.

      Fire over your list and I will see if I can point you in the right direction.

      jb

      Reply ↓
  28. Cyrus Panthaki

    Dear Mr. Brooks,

    I work in the research department of RM Sotheby’s we are selling a 1999 Lamborghini Diablo GTR that raced in the 2000 and 2001 SuperTrophy seasons. I have been speaking to SRO and they told me you were the official photographer for the series. We have some of your photos, but I was wondering if you would be willing to sell us some image rights to use these on our website?

    The car was number 9/30, driven by Victor Zoboli and Vincenzo Tirella, under the Mig Power Team. Was black livery (18) in 2000, but Silver (18) at Kyalami. I would be very interested to see what photos you have of this car.

    Kind Regards,

    Cyrus Panthaki

    Reply ↓

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