I’ve made use of the medical centre at race circuits twice. In both cases, if access had been restricted, I doubt I would have got the assistance I required. The first was landing on my head after falling off my bicycle, the other time was when I had very painful back ache.

Donington Park 2015

My race car had been leaking oil and could not be fixed, so it failed scrutineering. I decided to jump onto my bicycle and pop down to the first corner to watch the start of the race I would otherwise have been in, then cycle to different places to enjoy the action. I didn’t get very far.

There is a banking around the first corner and I was cycling by the edge when I got distracted by something the marshals were doing; this resulted in me accidentally steering slightly to the left. My front wheel slipped off the edge and I was momentarily upside-down, landing on my head. Quick as a flash, I was back up, bicycle in hand, slightly embarrassed but relieved no one saw me.

The race was about to start, when I was frustrated to be ‘caught’ by an official in my championship and his daughter, who were very concerned for me. I didn’t want them to miss the start, but they ignored my claims of good health and I was escorted to the medical centre where, confronted with a mirror, I realised what all the fuss was about. There was blood everywhere.

I was asked the name of the Queen and I had to think a while before giving the correct answer, so I was obviously a little dazed. The staff looked after me and all ended well.

My problem is, I don’t like making a fuss. I would have outright refused to go to the circuit office and I would have been very uncomfortable with a phone call meaning staff would likely have to make their way to me.

Brands Hatch 2023

I was taking photographs for this guide. I’d started with photographs to guide competitors into the paddock via both entrances and then dealt with the paddock guide. I had to run everywhere in order to complete my list. Over the lunch break I ran the circuit, taking multiple photographs of every marshal post. In the afternoon it was time for the spectator guide.

Starting at Clark Curve I ran all the way to Hawthorn Bend on the GP circuit, then back to the pedestrian bridge that took me to the infield. I then ran further, taking in all possible spectating points. Passing the Medical Centre, I was exhausted and suffering with terrible back pain, which I get when standing too long.

As I was nearly finished with my work, I decided to be cheeky, so I paid the staff a visit. I explained my pain, pointing out that it was self-inflicted, and asked if they could spare an Ibuprofen. They did more that that, looking after me and keeping me there for twenty minutes while I recovered. I was sent away much relaxed, with extra medication for the next few hours.

I would have survived without their help, but the fact that they were on hand was a great comfort, for which I shall always be grateful.

Page created by Peter Tattersall, October 2025