Speedway.....Autograss....Plenty of Dust

[Simon Harrison]

Haven't posted in a while, as I've been on a two week mission to Normandy to try as many of the local ciders, cheeses and calvados as I could;) :lol: .

I had my second opportunity to shoot Speedway on Thursday evening when the Redcar Bears took on the Berwick Bandits. I'll say straight away that I am much happier with the results that I go this time compared to my first time out. The match up between the teams was very one sided on the night, with the Bears taking nine 5 - 1 maximums on their way to win 64 - 26. Enough waffle....on to the pictures.

#1 Redcar Bears captain Gary Havelock was at his best, taking a 15 point maximum on the night. This shot was used as the lead picture with the report in tonight's local rag, and has the elusive 'four bikes in frame'.
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/06-07-06---152.jpg

#2 The lighting was wonderful for a brief period of time. Unfortunately, the circuit very quickly fell into shadow as the sun set.
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/06-07-06---006.jpg

#3 Close up of Gary Havelock
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/06-07-06---158.jpg

#4 On the way to another 5 - 1 maximum - men and boys last night I'm afraid
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/06-07-06---087.jpg

Earlier in the week, I was out and about shooting more Autograss. Great weather meant that dust was a bit of a problem from time to time, but as ever you can work around it to an extent and it can add an extra element to the pictures.

#5 Stock Hatch racing was close as always, making visibility tricky if you weren't out in front.
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/02-07-06---231.jpg

#6 Four lap race, and these guys changed position six times while drifting sideways beautifully round the corners. Here they are exiting the final bend on the last lap - the Z Car held on to take victory.
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/02-07-06---103.jpg

#6 Open wheel specials really throw up the dust
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/02-07-06---242.jpg

#8 Class 2 - the nutters (in the nicest possible terms) of Autograss racing
http://www.srh-motorsport-photography.com/Galleries/forum/06Jul06/02-07-06---311.jpg

All of the shots were taken with a 1D and a 300mm f4 IS L lens with or without a 1.4 convertor.

As usual, any comments or feedback, especially about the Speedway shots, as there's still a lot to learn about photographing this sport, most appreciated.

Cheers,

Simon.

[Dave_G]

awesome, I always enjoy your Autograss shots mate. #4 of the Speedway is tip yop

I just wish I was good enough to get track side for some events, dammit.

[Simon Harrison]

awesome, I always enjoy your Autograss shots mate. #4 of the Speedway is tip yop

Thanks Dave:D . Have to admit, that the Autograss is the most enjoyable out of all the events that I go to.

Cheers,

Simon.

[GSH]

Havelock's still riding then? He seems to have been around since God was a lad :)

A lovely selection Simon, particularly #2 with that lighting and 6+7 for the formation drifting.

I have no idea about Autograss, in fact i'd never heard of it until i saw your posts on here.

[coatsie]

As always Simon these are excellent shots - bet that was a hot evening?

:D Mal

[Simon Harrison]

As always Simon these are excellent shots - bet that was a hot evening?

:D Mal

Thanks Mal. Yes, it was a bit of a sweaty night as for all the temperature wasn't too high, it was very humid.

Cheers,

Simon.

[Simon Harrison]

Havelock's still riding then? He seems to have been around since God was a lad :)

A lovely selection Simon, particularly #2 with that lighting and 6+7 for the formation drifting.

I have no idea about Autograss, in fact i'd never heard of it until i saw your posts on here.

Thanks Geoff.

It's Havelock junior that is riding, Havelock senior is managing the Bears.

Cheers,

Simon.

[gmen]

Hi Simon...

I know I need to get some Autograss up my sleeve in the near future! Great stuff!

The speedway stuff is peachy as well... with no less than two holy grails. Good to see Havelock riding well. For an ex-World Champion (OK... it was back in 1992), he had a poor season at Arena Essex in 2005. Hopefully his confidence will be boosted at Redcar.

---- Gavin

[Croasdail]

Interesting to see some speedway from a different perspective from Gavins. You did very well.

[despot]

Yup, the speedway shots are very good. #3 is spot on.
Andy

[Simon Harrison]

Hi Simon...

I know I need to get some Autograss up my sleeve in the near future! Great stuff!

The speedway stuff is peachy as well... with no less than two holy grails. Good to see Havelock riding well. For an ex-World Champion (OK... it was back in 1992), he had a poor season at Arena Essex in 2005. Hopefully his confidence will be boosted at Redcar.

---- Gavin

Thanks Gavin.

Appreciate the feedback on the Speedway. I'm still learning the various lines through the corners, so struggled to get the right angle for turn 1. As you said, turn 2 maximises 'holy grail' potential;) . With a bit of luck, will get the call to go back again this Thursday.

Cheers,

Simon.

[Simon Harrison]

Interesting to see some speedway from a different perspective from Gavins. You did very well.

Thanks Mark. Gavin's work is something that I aspire to.

Simon.

[Simon Harrison]

Yup, the speedway shots are very good. #3 is spot on.
Andy

Thanks Andy!

Simon.