[ilwingless]

I know there are a lot of actually photographers out there, so I wanted to throw this out there and see what kind of feedback I got.

I am far from an actual photographer, but I love taking shots from the infield during hot laps and qualifying. I just got a new entry level DSLR and would love practice my racing photography a bit more. My problem is, since I'm not a pro by any means, I don't have any media credentials, media pass, etc.

What I'm wondering, is what are some good tracks that I can get into the infield with just a pit pass, and not a media pass. I've had fun shooting at Terre Haute and Eldora, but I'd really like to try some other places. I'd love to go to get in on Kokomo or Gas City, but I'm guessing they require you to have some sort of media credentials. Does any one know of any other good tracks where you can get inside the track with just a pit pass? I'd love to be able to take some more pictures this summer, but don't know if I'll make it to Terre Haute at all.

I'm mostly looking for small dirt tracks in Indiana. Thoughts?

[fish]

We all started somewhere.
I would suggest Gas City. My advice would be to stay away from the bigger races and pick some regular Friday night shows for starters. PM me and I'll give you more pointers.

Jim Fisher
www.fscpictorial.com

[pepprdig]

If you need a track with good lighting Lawrenceburg is the best.

[dirtnonwingfan]

I'm an amateur also, so I hope these comments from my point of view will help.

From inside the track, don't forget Lucas (???) Raceway Park (the big concrete oval west of Indy). The fence is low all around the infield and with a pit pass you can be right where the action is. It is a lot handier than most tracks because the pits are on the front stretch, not outside the track. Easy to transition from speed shots to cars in the pits, and the ducks in the pond are always cute.

For a mile Silver Crown track, DuQuoin is great. I haven't been there for a few years, but every time I was there you could get really close to the track, with the only thing between you and the cars being the inside rail. Also, the pits are on the turn 3-4 end, so you can go from shooting cars on the track back to the pits in less than 30 seconds. You can also get some good shots from the infield stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Don't rule out shooting from the stands. Some of them don't have fencing in the way from certain areas of the stands. I have both a 300 and 170 zoom. With them I can get good shots of turn 1-2 at Kokomo sitting in the turn 1 grandstands and turn 1-2 at Putnamville from the pit grandstands. Got some good shots at North Vernon from the pit grandstands also. In Illinois, fences shouldn't be a problem at Jacksonville or Lincoln or Granite City. I think Little Belleville is OK also, as is Anderson from the turn 3-4 stands. There is a small non-fence possibility at Lawrenceburg from the turn 2 grandstands. I have also seen some really good photos from Bloomington which I understand were taken from the turn 1 hill.

I guess the bottom line is that there are a lot of places you should be able to get good photos. You just have to keep your eyes open for them. The only problem is that it will be hard to keep from wanting to get better stuff. A new camera with more megapixels, longer zoom, faster lens, etc. etc. etc.

Good luck and I hope you really enjoy your new camera.

[ilwingless]

Thanks for the tips Frank. I didn't realize you could get inside Lucas Raceway with just a pit pass. Guess I wasn't paying that close of attention last year .

There are multiple tracks where you can get good shots from the stands, I've just really come to enjoy shooting from the inside.