Photographing NASCAR

[24lemons]

Has anyone got any experience shooting NASCAR or any other oval racing from the stands?

I'm going to my first NASCAR race in Las Vegas soon and I'd like to come away with some semi decent shots. I realise this may be a tall order given the fences and speed. I've got a 70-200mm and a 1.4x extender which serves me well at most regular tracks but would i be better off sticking on a wide angle lens and shooting more atmosphere-y pics?

[Crafty_]

I'd do both, some arena pictures from the ovals are awesome.

Not sure what vegas is like but I'd do some research and see if you can avoid the fences, maybe shooting across the track instead of the area directly in front of you ?

[JDRoest]

Done Talladega a couple of times, difficult to shoot as the fences are just so tall and everywhere. Best bet is to be on the inside of the track if possible, also a bit of research (ask the locals) to find out where the best and most frequent crashes are.

[24lemons]

We are fairly high up on the exit of the final turn. Hopefully I'll be able to get some shots over the fence but I'm not overly optimistic having seen photos/videos taken from close by. After yesterday's events I'm quite glad I got tickets higher up rather than near the front!

[bernie_eccle]

I'm an Indycar fan but followed Dario Franchitti to NASCAR in 2008 and visited the Vegas race. I think you will be pretty screwed from the grandstands due to the fencing. You may catch them as they enter the turn but are likely to be too close to the wall so you will still have the fencing between you and the shot.

Make sure you buy a paddock pass. At Vegas in 2008 they had what was called the Neon Garage. It is a little like seeing a lion enclosure at a zoo as you are walking around the tops of the garages looking down into them. It lets the fans see what is happening but you don't get near enough to meet the drivers etc.

We did however get into the pitlane during one of the practices and this gave excellent access and this will likely be your best opportunity for photographs. I think the best of these below were taken from beyond the entry to the pitlane, behind the inner wall. If I recall correctly I was in a place where I should have been!

These were taken with a Nikon D70 and 70-200mm lens

Edited by bernie_eccle on Sunday 24th February 20:16

[24lemons]

Thanks for that, I'll look into a paddock pass you've got some nice shots there. I guess I'll go in with low expectations that way I wont be disappointed!!

[bernie_eccle]

You're welcome. I just checked and my lens is 70-300mm.

Have good time and don't forget to post your pictures.

[24lemons]

bernie_eccle said:

You're welcome. I just checked and my lens is 70-300mm.

Have good time and don't forget to post your pictures.

Thanks very much. Its hard to get into my head that I'll be there in a week! By the way, if you look at your picture showing the stands and start finish line, I'll be in the top of the small stand that you see on the right hand edge on the shot.

Edited by 24lemons on Sunday 3rd March 09:29