My one and only NASCAR event this year took place last weekend at the self-proclaimed "World Center of Racing" Daytona International Speedway. I was apprehensive about working the race since I had found out that fans would be allowed to attend and that it was in Florida, during hurricane season.
Daytona is notorious for weather delays and postponements that can go on for days. Fan attendance was capped at 25 thousand for the Monster Energy Cup race, and in a venue that seats roughly 101,000, I didn't think it would be overly crowded, especially with social distancing being enforced. (I really should say suggested and not enforced).
Currently, photography is very limited at any NASCAR sanctioned event. There were only two people allowed from the media company that I work for. One person was allowed in the infield, and one (me) was mandated to remain outside of the track at all times. This means no access to the media center for me, and that I would be photographing from the stands, and editing in my car.
Daytona has a high fence all around the racetrack for reasons obvious to any fan who has watched racing at this famous 2.5-mile tri-oval super-speedway. Inevitably, late in a NASCAR race, there is a crash (usually titled "The Big One") that is both horrific and sensational. Occasionally the catch fence is the only thing between a 180 mile per hour race car flying through the air and the spectators.
Photographing through a fence isn't an ideal situation, but I understand the need for safety, so it is what it is. It was also a good reminder that great photos are made and not taken. Overcoming challenging situations is expected from professionals, and this was a good time to remind myself of what I had agreed to deliver, high-quality work with no excuses.
Enjoy my photos from the event. Just a reminder that all of these images are copyrighted all rights reserved ©2020
