X-Games Rally - McRae- (56k no)

[yellowmr]

Just sorted through some of my 300 shots from the x-games this weekend. I rented a 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4tc. This was my first attempt at motorsports. Shooting from one location in the stands was a challenge in itself. I would have liked to move around a bit more, but i was also there to enjoy the event. First off, let me just say, after my first live rally event, I can now understand why european (and american) fans stand within arms reach of these cars on twisty dirt roads risking life and limb. It was such a rush, and I was about 300 feet away in the stands. This will definetly not be my last rally.

For those who don't know, there were a handful of SCCA rally drivers on hand, as well as Travis Pastrana, and WRC god Colin McRae and NIcky Grist. Here are some I shot. (feedback would be appreciated... i know my technique isn't that good so be kind)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/small.jpg

I thought this was so funny, A course worker walked over to McRae and Grist, and asked them if he could snap a shot of him with Pastrana. Shouldn't it be the other way around!! (i know i missed the focus)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/nickyphotosmall.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3993small.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3974small.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3971small.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3919small.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3913small.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/gregprofeta/IMG_3813small.jpg

[KennyG]

I am trying to understand how you can have a rally with viewing stands. I suppose now the US has the Scooby and Evo interest in rallying may increase.

I was considering getting myself another Prodrive'd STI (my last was a 310bhp) but two things put me off, the price and the way the front has gone from bugeye to pig snout in one move. Japanese build great cars but have no design sense at all.

Your shutter speed is way too fast by the way. Exif shows 1/800 when you should have been at 1/400 at most, preferably 1/320. High shutter speeds freeze the wheels.

[yellowmr]

yeah, i shot a few at 1/320 and they were a bit blurry due to my poor hand holding. Majority of shots taken at far end of lens. (not used to that heavy lens on a small xt).

I agree with you on the stands for viewing rally. But 90% of the people there have no clue what real rallying is. "WRC what? McRae who? I just want to see Pastrana... what car does he drive?"

[Big WIll]

Pastrana is the man! Did u watch the motox?

[birmphoto]

i was there too. but i missed the rally, LA traffic sucks. and i didnt bring my camera, on the web site they said no lenses over 3.5 inches. so that would have left me with my 50mm. my source; RIDES magazine couldnt get my media pass as they filed for it to late, so i went as a spectator. i did get to see the motoX which was good. and free tickets from local souther california subaru dealers made it that much better! and free parking at a food store across the street was nice too. saved me about $40.


as far as rally in the states goes, they need stadium seating where my fellow americans can send text messages and eat hotdogs and drink beer with out having to leave the seat. people around here, except real rally fans, dont want to hike through the woods for a mile or so to get the best vantage point.... they want to sit down and watch the cars go over manufactured jumps! but there are a lot of hardcore rally fans in the states, and now that rally has seen the X games.... there is more hope of a WRC driver (pastrana) and maybe even a WRC event in the states.... we have some great places for that! east to west, north to south!

the course was half tarmac, outside of the venue, and the dirt on the inside!

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Nice shots. You were lucky to be there lol I just sat here and watched it on tv.

[birmphoto]

http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23292


here is good read on a north american rally page! you can see the enthusiasm in NA rally fans on how the sport will be huge in the sates.

[yellowmr]

the event was fun. definetly geared for beginner american rally fans.

I read that also about lenses over 3.5 in long. And no cameras with detachable lenses. I decided to take a chance in the security bag check. I converted my camera bag to a 1/2 camera 1/2 water bottle bag, and they just glanced in and passed it on. Just after i passed security, i secured the lens to the body and had no issues.

[Okiewan]

Colin almost beat Travis.. even with the rollover ... he was noticably faster on the pavement (Colin), but you gotta give it to the kid, he's come a long way in Rally in two short years, he had his number in the dirt. The rest of the stages were pretty brutal btw, Travis broke the car once as well. I've had the fortune to be out on Kenny Bartram's property years ago when they were all driving the cars around (as in beater cars, getting beaten into submission), insane jumps, imprompto races etc.. you could see both of them getting into Rally, long ago. (I've got some Kenny shots in his pit if anyone cares to see them... one is here: http://bvostudio.com/full/action_kb1.jpg )

Doesn't matter if you like FMX or not... pulling that double back flip was a moment in sporting history. INSANE. There isn't another sport where the competitor puts as much on the line (as in life).

Nice shots.

Oh wait:
I thought this was so funny, A course worker walked over to McRae and Grist, and asked them if he could snap a shot of him with Pastrana. Shouldn't it be the other way around!! (i know i missed the focus)In the states? No Way. Travis is the Golden Boy.

[Rumjungle]

I'm glad you found a way to get the lens in. You went with the 70-200 after all, eh? Must have been fun to see McRae roll it at the end in person. I jumped out of my seat when I saw that. Same goes for when Travis did the double. OMFG!:eek:

[CPALIU]

I went in with a 100-400mm L. Some of the guys said I couldn't bring it in but others said yes. In the end they just said since I had no tripod I was fine. For cars going as slow as they were, I started at 1/160th and worked my way down to 1/60th. Pretty hard to hold the camera steady when I click the shutter. Everytime I pressed the shutter, the camera would wan't to shift downwards slightly.

[birmphoto]

you need to learn how to turn your body into a tripod! its a little awkward but very affective!