NHRA Spring Nationals

[billseye]

I'm going to the Spring Nationals and try to do some shooting. I used to go to drag races all the time, but it's been a long time (almost 30 years) since I've been to a major event. I've never been to Hou. Raceway Park.
I searched before posting and found some good stuff from last year, but what I'm trying to find is tips like which side of the track is better for shooting, best day to go, (I'm thinking Saturday) what gear to take or NOT to take, etc.
From the older posts, it looks like there's no getting trackside or anyplace special. Most say the stands have the best views.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

[MT Stringer]

There is a recent thread asking the same basic questions.
I went the last two years on Friday so it wouldn't be so crowded. Great qualifying action.
Track runs north from the starting line so you will have the western sun in the late afternoon (Pits on the east side).
Last year I took the 7D, 70-200, 24-70, 17-40.

Pics here.

Good luck and have fun.
Mike

[billseye]

Thanks Mike,
I found that thread ... http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ns-rental.html
Good info and great shots! Sorry your gonna have to miss it this year. I'll share my shots, if I get some decent ones.
Any other track info would be apreciated.

[OneShot]

Lighting sucks in the morning, but the sun sets nicely in the afternoon you want to be on the west side of the track, like someone said opposite of the pits. Sun starts getting good about 2-3pm.

During the morning it really sucks and then just gets worse with the glare till it comes down on the other side. When the sun is right I would go all the way down to the end of the grand stands on the left side and stand up as high as you can, with a 70-200 that is prime location to get action from starting line to finish line. I was there when I shot for the NHRA back in 2009, I went to the stands on Sunday and got a Top Fuel Explosion that ended up being published in National Dragster.

[MT Stringer]

Just a quick note. In 2009, I could move around from one side to the other. My ticket was for seats just off the starting line about half way up the stands. But I crossed over to the west side.

Last year, they wouldn't let you up in the stands without checking your ticket, so no way to move around. Now that Royal Purple has leased the track, I have no idea what the security will be like. I would be curious to find out how things go. I will be in Fort Worth and not able to catch the races this year.