Lime Rock Park Best Spots?

[jayhova]

Hi All,

I know this is the photo sharing section but figured I'd get the most gear heads to see it in here. I will be attending the American Le Mans (ALMS) race in July at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut and was wondering if there are any people here with shooting experience at this track? I have never been there and would like to get some advanced scouting info. It took me a few years to figure out some good spots at the Formula 1 race in Montreal so I've learned it isn't always as easy as showing up and going at it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.trackpedia.com/w/images/7/7d/Limerockfancy.jpg

[John Thawley]

Which side of the fence....?

JT

[jayhova]

Unfortunately I do not have a press pass just regular spectator tickets...

PS - was just checking out some of your pics, I guess I know why you asked now, great stuff! I'm jealous! :) Any super secret way a regular guy can get behind the scenes?

[John Thawley]

Unfortunately I do not have a press pass just regular spectator tickets...

PS - was just checking out some of your pics, I guess I know why you asked now, great stuff! I'm jealous! :) Any super secret way a regular guy can get behind the scenes?

Just regular hard work and an assignment. ;)

Lime Rock offers a lot of good opportunities just a few feet behind credentialed shooters. The fences are LOW. Big Bend is virtually the same shot as the pros get, all the way around.

http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=50408&g2_serialNumber=2

Up at the top of the hill, through the chicane... pretty much the same.
http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=50428&g2_serialNumber=2
http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=50416&g2_serialNumber=2

Down at the last turn (inside) as they come down hill and as they head onto the straight... again.. no problem.
http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=94392&g2_serialNumber=1

One of my personal favorites, I shot from the hillside...

http://gallery.johnthawley.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=50426&g2_serialNumber=2

[tehdrok]

Those are truly superb shots, btw.

[jayhova]

Thank you so much for the tips. For the shot of the Aston was that near "Deving Turn" near the Sunoco Paddock on the map I posted? What kind of glass are you using to get shots that close up (Aston)? I will be shooting a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS with a Tamron 1.4x tele. I am considering picking up the Canon 2x before I go.

Also which hillside (landmark on the map?) was that last shot? Sorry never been there so don't know the terrain yet.

Awesome shots, I hope I can get some half as good!

BTW, forgot to ask are the fences low enough to shoot over without any sort of stool or other boost? Also anyway for normal spectators to get good shots of pit stops?

Thanks,

- JC -