NHRA Spring Nationals

[d2creative]

Someone just handed me 2 tix and pit passes to the drags this sunday.
Anyone else going? I've never shot any races or anything like this before. I'm not used to my subject moving, especially that fast! Monopod or don't even bother?
Any tips on settings, technique and where to stand/shoot would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

[MRCPix]

I have gone to the oreilly nationals in Ennis several times and I just shoot hand held because the action is so fast. If you shoot them coming off the starting line you could use the monopod if you can get next to the fence and not in the stands.
Have fun and make sure you share some of Ashley Force's pics.

[Edg02]

Could that same someone hand me a couple of those too?!! I would completely be there.

[Cope]

You will enkoy the races, but get some ear plugs, it can get loud.

[frevrnlv]

Originally Posted by d2creative

Someone just handed me 2 tix and pit passes to the drags this sunday.
Anyone else going? I've never shot any races or anything like this before. I'm not used to my subject moving, especially that fast! Monopod or don't even bother?
Any tips on settings, technique and where to stand/shoot would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Citex (Ryan) shoots at San Antonio Raceway often, so he can probably offer you some tips ...

[Calvin1Calvin]

I am going tomorrow and plan to travel light. I will take two lenses, 24-105 and a 70-300, polarizer, flash and tons of memory cards. I recommend going through the pits and photographing the teams at work, drivers, fans, etc. Get close to the starting line and photograph some of the burn-outs, launches off the line and the action as they drive by. For one round of competition I recommend going to the finish line to experience the speed and the parachute openings. The pit side will have the sun in your face so I would photograph from the general admission side (parking lot) so the sun will be over your shoulder late in the day. Be careful of the shadows on the track later in the afternoon. Have a great time. Yes, do take plenty of ear plugs, because it is loud.

[d2creative]

Thanks Calvin.
When/where do you plan on using your flash? I don't do too much shooting outdoors.

[Dokk]

I wouldn't even take a monopod, myself. I'd be shooting high shutter speeds and there shoudl be plenty of light. Action happens fast so be ready. Watch the tree. Catch pix of the burnout pits. Most racers like to show off a bit there as it wows the crowds and it's also a psychological factor for the competition. This is also where a lot of cars break as in come apart and you can get some spectacular pix there. For really cool launch shots, frame your image then, with the other eye, watch the tree. When the last yellow light lights up, fire off about 3-5 frames in sequence and you'll probably get that great front end high and sometimes front wheels off the ground shot. Those are killer. Like Calvin said, make your way down to the finish line for a few 'chute shots. I've never been to the Houston track but my understanding is that it's very much like the Motorplex in Ennis. If that's the case, you can usually get very close to the track without actually getting on it for some great shots but definately get high in the stands with a telephoto for a higher perspective. You can still get some great shots there. One thing about shooting in the pits. This is the Spring Nationals and these guys are the big boy pros. Be alert as there is always something moving around there from cars getting in line to race to scooters and golf carts running errands. The other thing you want ot do when shooting in the pits is to ask permission. Most of these guys are really nice and more than happy to accomodate you but they may not want you seeing certain things that they do in the pits because of the competition factor. Just like any other sport, they can be very superstitious so take that into consideration. Also, if they are running around and like ants all over the car, leave them alone. They may be getting short on time getting ready for a run and with serious money riding on events like these, they don't have time for what they think of as just another crazy dude with a camera. Use your head out there and be aware of your surroundings.

I'm attaching a few photos that I've taken at Texas Motorplex in Ennis at a weekend bracket racing series event to give you an idea what you can get just from the stands. One warning: Drag racing in any form can be very addictive. Have a blast this weekend.

[Mike G]

Hey Dokk .. just a few things, This is the Spring Nationals .. there is no "last yellow" the cars will be launching off what is called a .400 Pro Tree .. all ambers come on once then .400 later you get a green .. what you need to be watching for is the pre-stage and then the staging lights (the 2 normal looking light bulbs up top.). Also with this being the Spring Nationals and a NHRA pro race you will not be able to get anywhere close to the track to shoot.

Dennis, which grandstand are your tickets for? at the best you'll be 50ish feet away and about 8' up if you have front row best bleachers on the starting line. Worst case you'll be on the far end of the track and trying to shoot 330+ MPH passes .. how are your panning skills

[Davidtxs]

one thing to add to nitromikes lol is once you see BOTH prestage lights come on then hang on the tree will be set to autostart im sure so its random how long it is before the ambers come on
and someone said its loud well loud is not the word for it lol when two fuel cars go by at about 330

[Mike G]

NHRA does what .. .1 - .5 for the random I believe.

[JamesB]

if you wait for the light to turn green you are late

James

[Mike G]

Hey .. I was checking oil pressure!!!!

I think you were at that race ... or at least saw the crap I took on the list for it

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by nitromike

Dennis, which grandstand are your tickets for? at the best you'll be 50ish feet away and about 8' up if you have front row best bleachers on the starting line. Worst case you'll be on the far end of the track and trying to shoot 330+ MPH passes .. how are your panning skills

I dunno? My tix say "PITT GG - ROW H - SEAT 7"

[Mike G]

You're about 3/4 track 8 rows up .. unless you have a long lense you won't get much in the way of launch shots .. best bet is gonna be to pan em as they pass.