NASCAR at Phoenix International Raceway

PrescottPhotog

Hi Everyone,

Well last weekend I did something totally different from shooting my normal BIF's over in the Wildlife Forum. I got credentials to shoot at P.I.R. and it was a blast. Just me and 110,000 other folks. It was amazing to find out that when NASCAR is in town P.I.R. grows to the 4 largest city in Arizona.

Being 5 feet away from 40 cars going 150 mph is not only deafening (even with good earplugs) but one of the biggest rushes I have every had. It was almost better than shooting the F-18 takeoff standing next to the runway last year.

The qualifying was during the day but the races were all held in the evening so the shooting was pretty hard. Most was done at very high ISO even using the trusted ole 300 f/2.8 with shadows and glare everywhere.

I took over 2000 shots in all areas.. including the pits, garage, roof, track and just about anywhere I wanted to go. Saturday was the big race but it too started at almost 6 pm so between the sun and track lights (and no flash allowed) it was a hard shoot, but boy was it a blast.

The whole gallery can be viewed here, including the opening ceremonies, driver introductions, fly over, all pit and garage close ups.

I hope you enjoy the shots.. here is the gallery link for all photos,
http://crd.smugmug.com/NASCAR

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[Deleted User]

Stunning pictures Chris, where were you standing to get the first shot??

Tim

PrescottPhotog

draggin wrote:

Stunning pictures Chris, where were you standing to get the first shot?? Tim

Hi Tim, Thanks for the compliment. I was standing on the roof of the Main Grandstands (way way up high). There was a small spot that they allowed us to shoot from for a couple minutes per photographer. You had to shoot a few and then leave or the security chased you away (it was reserved for the high paying folks).

Here is a link to a panorama I put together from the same spot..
http://crd.smugmug.com/gallery/4735418_3idcP#280486259_Wj2CW

Here is a shot taken from the same area using the 300mm..


Taken from the same area just outside the pits on the lower curve you see in the first picture..

wompom1

colors very vibrant, love it ,you do nice work!
thanks for sharing.

JavaLover

Very nice shots! My MIL was there and had a blast!

PrescottPhotog

wompom1 wrote:

colors very vibrant, love it ,you do nice work!
thanks for sharing.

Hi wompom1, Thanks for the compliment. I actually found myself trying to cut the colors back because they were so vibrant. NASCAR sure likes their colors bright and their racing suits were just as bright as their cars (see below). Then add in Arizona's brilliant sunshine and you get even more vivid colors.

I was shooting mostly the 70-200 and 300mm (both 2.8) and you know how sharp and bright they capture images.
--

PrescottPhotog

JavaLover wrote:

Very nice shots! My MIL was there and had a blast!

Hi JavaLover, Thanks for viewing. It was a blast but I must have walked 25 miles in 3 days lugging equipment. It started out on Thursday at about 79 degrees and ended up on Saturday in the mid 90's. Thursday I was there from 8 am for a safety meeting until almost 10 pm by the time I got back to my hotel.. long days. I wouldn't pass it up though. The opening ceremonies were really nice and well done.. especially the fly overs. You can check them out at the below link..

http://crd.smugmug.com/gallery/4735418_3idcP#280486276_CYQti

Photosbychuck

Great Photos!

I went to the Bristol race and had a blast also but I only had a 150mm.

Thanks for posting,
Chuck,
http://aperturefocus.smugmug.com

[Deleted User]

Again Impressive Chris, a once in a lifetime opurtunity and you grab it by the throat and got the pictures you wanted, well done.

Tim