Too Close for Comfort

[Jim M]

I don't usually get off a meaningful shot when I have to dash away from the guardrail, but I did a couple of weeks ago. The Pro Mod hit the guardrail just past the 60 ft. mark, bounced up on it, and slid along until it stopped. Kind of hard on the guard rail. Be careful out there.

[Kiddo]

WOW! That's probably one of those once in a life time shots! Love the picture. And you're right, we all need to be careful when we're at track side.

[RadAL]

thats very rare! also, the car is awesome! wish you got more... but luckily you got at least one!

[EveryMilesAMemory]

I like the comment "Kind of hard on the guard rail"....LMAO

Can you imagine how hard that guy was clenching his buttcheeks:D

I'm sure when you saw it coming at you, your butt was a little clenched too!

[Jim M]

I guess I should add that the pictures were made after the car went past me. I didn't get the moment of impact since I was hauling butt, but I was able to turn around and rip off a few before things settled down. Here is the first shot I made after impact. It's a really sucky picture, but does give you the feel for the moment. Notice it's facing a different direction than in the first picture.

[Wrench]

I like the comment "Kind of hard on the guard rail"....LMAO

Can you imagine how hard that guy was clenching his buttcheeks:D




Suction cupped to the seat. Had to have his firesuit surgically removed from his colon. Trust me, been there, done that ;)

[Z_Ghost]

Back in April I started to go to the track and then got permission to get down on the track.
Did my first Pro Mod shoot on May 11 and stand at the guardrail around the 60' mark the first time a Pro Mod went by me was something to remember. I did start thinking about where I would run if one of them lost it but I hope that never happens.

Nice shot Jim and I'm glad you are OK.

Some of my pictures.
http://www.pbase.com/z_ghost/race_cars

[ErikAnderson]

Glad to hear that you are OK Jim. Thankfully, I can count the close calls on a single hand, but they've all been less than fun. It's not fun to think about people, but if you shoot at tracks, especially professionally, be aware that injury and/or death is possible. Make sure you have your disability and life insurance premiums up to date.

[tekkie]

cool shot

[Jim M]

Thanks everyone. In about eight or nine years of shooting from the guardrail, I've had two clutch explosions, a transmission explosion, at least four episodes where contact was made with the guardrail in close proximity to where I was stationed, and an uncountable number of times that something headed my way without contacting the guardrail, but made me run anyhow. I have very few photos of the incidents themselves.

[Echo63]

damn that was close
i have had a few cars slide up to the sand bank/concrete wall i was standing on up at the local racetrack, but nothing like that
stay safe and keep both eyes open

[Frogballs]

That is an incredible shot! I am an avid drag racer and that is something to see, either from the stands or through a lens. Great work, and congrats not getting collected in the mess!

[MikeI]

That first picture is surreal! The smoke and setting sun are GREAT!

[Jamie Holladay]

Ouch. Glad you are ok.

[ErikAnderson]

In going through my images as I update my portfolio I found this one I'd forgotten about. For obvious reasons it was the last image I took before tucking the camera under my arm and somersaulting towards the start line diving behind the thickest part of the wall I could find!

http://erikandersondesigns.com/images/temp/DSC_2421a.jpg

[Jim M]

Hey Eric, have you ever noticed that they tend to turn right more often than left? The funny thing is, I don't think they hit the right guardrail any more often than the left.

[JustinL]

it's pics like these I can't show my wife, otherwise I won't be allowed back to the track!!! And I'm not shooting from the bleachers!

[Strnge]

Is it me, or did a Nova have sex with a 57 Chevy and had the first car in this posting as a child?:p