Up Early at the Track

Heading out early in the predawn hours is something I’ve been accustom to for many years. Often times I am greeted with solitude, but a racetrack is buzzing with activity in the early am. I walked through the parking lot seeing other souls going about their jobs, directing cars, herding attendees, preparing food carts and heading in for early meetings about the day’s events. After making a semi circle around the track I crossed the highway and ascended one of the hills that enclose part of Bristol Motor Speedway. Shortly thereafter the Sun peaked out from the opposing hill and spread its light onto the arena.

Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 32mm f/16 ISO 100 1/200 sec

Bristol Motor Speedway

I haven’t been to a lot of NASCAR tracks, but I have to tell you that Bristol is a hoot! Jeff Foxworthy was one of the sponsors for the race on Saturday and they interviewed him before the race. In his jovial style of redneck jokes he said, “You can tell you’re a redneck if you son’s name is Dale Jr. but your name isn’t Dale.” NASCAR was born from good ‘ol southern boys who drove moonshine illegally across state lines, a love for cars, and goin’ fast. Jump forward a few decades and America’s favorite motorsport has mastered the art of blue collar entertainment. I’m devoting this week to the pictures from the past weekend, but don’t fret, it’s not only about cars. Before every NASCAR Sprint Cup race there is an impressive fly over. Sunday’s Food City 500 opening ceremony was no exception. My vantage point was at the uppermost part of the track looking down between turns one and two. The American flag is just behind the start/finish line, which is where our seats were for the race, about halfway up the grandstand. What a blast!

Nikon D800 Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24mm f/16 ISO 200 1/200 sec

Persistence

The sound of rain beat down on top of the camper this morning dousing my hopes of a trackside sunrise. I’m an early riser so I thought I would venture out anyway. Secured the rain cover over my backpack gear and tripod, donned my raincoat and ventured out. The lights from the track overwhelmed the area until the soft blue rays of pre dawn started to illuminate the sky above the stadium. On the other side from our camper lies the main entrance and the sun was was beginning its ascent towards the horizon. I was awarded for my persistence with this view.

Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm f/11 ISO 200 9 Image HDR

Bristol

Today was the long drive to Bristol Motor Speedway. Not a bad drive at all. Good weather and a stop for lunch at Waffle House. There are no pit passes for this venue because of the lack of space in the center of the arena. I’ll do my best to get some interesting pictures but there is rain in the forecast. Great weekend to all.

​Nikon D800 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 230mm f/8 ISO 100 1/800 sec