Dave Clarke's Five: the best of the Brighton Run in pictures

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Entries for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run may be limited, but you don't have to a be a driver or passenger in order to enjoy. Just the spectacle of 370 veteran cars parading to the coast makes for a wonderful day out from a spectator's point of view, and the occasion is even more enjoyable if you combine it with a spot of photography. We were pleased to hear from Dave Clarke, who takes advantage of the Crawley halfway stop to photograph close-up the cars and their occupants, which are the two necessary contributors the wonderful atmosphere that prevails come rain or shine.

We asked Dave to choose his five favourite photographs, so we will now let him do the talking.

Over the years, I've captured the cars, people and animals that have made the Veteran Car Run the event it is today. From the owners to the famous people who have taken part in the run, no matter what the weather, wet or dry, there is always a photograph to capture. I love to capture the emotion of the event through the people who take part. I look for the shots that tell a story, the pain and joy of looking after the cars, the relief of reaching the halfway point and the coming together of young and old to enjoy the day.

I photograph the event from the Crawley pit stop, so I get there early and check in with the event team and make sure I'm up to speed with what's happening. It's also a great time to meet other photographers and have a chat whilst waiting for the first cars and bikes to arrive.

The pit stop offers a unique insight as the day unfolds, bearing witness to all the emotions of the event. The frustrations, the joys and the simple relief of having a quick rest and a drink before setting off again to head for Brighton.

The selection of photos I've included show the varied people, animals and atmosphere that this great event brings. In no particular order, these are my five favourites:

• Only a Lady Understands. A lady driver pays close attention to the rhythm of the 1902 Westfield
• At One with My Car. A motorist looks unstressed after almost 30 miles on the road
• Just a Minute of Calm. 2019. Mother and child enjoy a much-needed rest in their 1904 De Dion-Bouton
• Bring the Dog Along. 2021. A patriotic canine looks eager to press on with the journey
• Ringing It Out. After a wet morning, at last the sun appeared to dry out the occupants of the 1901 Albion

Well, that's five... I can't leave it there. There's just one more...

• We've Made It This Far! 2023. The Albion crew again, captured in a moment of triumph.

I hope you enjoy my pictures.

Dave's photos appear in the gallery in the order listed above, and are followed by a selection of some of his other work. To see more of his work from the Veteran Car Run, Goodwood Revival and other events, click here.

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