Drag Racing - Memphis, TN

[Tom O.]

Got back late last night from Memphis Motorsports Park. Went to the ORSCA (Outlaw Racing Street Car Assocaition) race. Had a blast there and saw some very fast rides.

Here are a few from the weekend:

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture032.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture048.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture079.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture098.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture159.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture072.jpg

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture060.jpg


There is more here: http://www.str8lineproductions.com/gallery/cat.asp?iCat=29

Feed back and suggestions are always appreciated.

[Pugdaddy]

Those are some awsome shots and some awsome cars, Tom. Wish I was there.

[Chazs]

Holey crud-buckets! Look at some of those rear tires. Totally awesome. Must try, must try, must try... :)

[Tom W]

Great captures - I like the Rally Sport image the best. Nice catch on the wrinklewall tires under full throttle!

[cargo123]

The picture are clear and colorful. What lens did you use? Do you remember the ISO, shutter speed,.....? You look like you were in the middle of the action with how close the cars are. Nice job.

[Tom O.]

The picture are clear and colorful. What lens did you use? Do you remember the ISO, shutter speed,.....? You look like you were in the middle of the action with how close the cars are. Nice job.

Pic 1 - 85mm 1.8 lens shot at ISO 100 f/2.8 SS 1/400

Pic 2 - 85mm 1.8 lens shot at ISO 100 f/3.2 SS 1/400

Pic 3 - 135mm 2.8 lens shot at ISO 100 f/3.2 SS 1/640

Pic 4 - 135mm 2.8 lens shot at ISO 400 f/3.2 SS 1/640

Pic 5 - 85mm 1.8 lens shot at ISO 200 f/3.2 SS 1/640

Pic 6 - 135mm 2.8 lens shot at ISO 100 f/3.2 SS 1/1250

Pic 7 - 135mm 2.8 lens shot at ISO 100 f/3.2 SS 1/640

With the 85mm lens I was anywhere from 40 - 60 feet from the starting line snug against the wall.

With the 135mm I wandered around some so I really couldn't say where I was on each shot.

I am thingking I may making the f stop about 4.0-4.5 next time out to see what I get. I think I am missing the rear of the cars some. I just don't want that focused a mile down range look. I like to try and make the cars stand out from the background.

Anyway, I still have a lot to learn but I am having a blast in the process. ;-)

[musthavemuzk]

now this is info that really helps me out.
one of my goals for the summer is to catch shots like that. front wheels in teh air and wide slicks with wrinked walls.
yummy.

thanx for the shot info.
i have been wondering about a first lens to get. well the first was the nifty and 18-55 USM kit lens, but first lens after those.

and i might just have a winner here

thanx

Monty

[zach]

Thats a sweet looking shot of the '55! All cool shots. I'm gonna try and catch some local sand drags soon.

[Dante King]

Some seriously beautiful captures.

[musthavemuzk]

a curiousity question here...
are these as taken from camera and resized or was there cropping involved?
i am trying to save for a big lens and might not have enough when it comes time to need the lens for opening weekend at the track here. so i am thinking to get the 85/1.8.
just want to know if there was any crop action. as i can get close like that to the track if i ask. if i do not ask then i will be a little farther back and mayb not in front of the launching cars.

thanx

Monty

[Tom O.]

just want to know if there was any crop action.

There is some cropping on all of the shots. The fourth one down was cropped more than the others. I was way down track on that shot.


Here is an original just resized:

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture048_1.jpg

Here is the cropped version:

http://www.str8lineproductions.com/images/gallery/pics/tn_Picture048.jpg

I am so afraid I'll miss something trying to get full frame that I back off some. Like I say I am still new to the camera. This was my third time out with it. I'll get the nerve to sit full frame someday. :D

Thanks for all the kind words on the pics. This board really keeps me going, there are some incredible photographers in here. It is truly an inspiration looking through the posts. Both from a learning standpoint and just gawking at jaw dropping captures.

[Ian_H]

Some great pictures there and in your gallery


Cheers
Ian

[musthavemuzk]

thanx for the before and after cropping shot.
seems that is not too much. which helps me in my decision process a bit.
i am more concerned with not getting close enough with chosen glass over filling the frame completely.
this is all new to me as well and i would hate to spend alot on glass for it to not be the right focal length. as well as not be fast enough to capture the action. missed so many shots last summer at the strip due to slow camera. i know my new camera is not slow but with not alot of practice and real world i am concerned a bit. mayb once i get some trackside shots i will calm down a bit.
thanx again for the shots and the shot info.

Monty

[Tom O.]

I can vouche for the 20D and the 85mm, the combo is very fast. Even on the AI Servo it is impressive. I have only missed a few shots shooting the "machine gun fire". The 85mm f/1.8 is a great lens in my opinion.

[RJSorensen]

Do you know how much torque it takes to pull the front end? Wow!

[avdh20]

hey there, love the shots. they all look so clear. i have a question though, are you shooting a series of shots to get the good one or are you just taking that one good picture and hoping that its going to come out clean? thanx in advance.


~aj

[Tom O.]

I am normally just shooting one shot on each car. The only time I shot a continuous stream of shots in Memphis was when I was down track trying to catch a bumper scraper. The fourth shot down in the first post was from a series of shots. Other than that I would say I only shoot one shot at the line.

I think there have only been 3 or 4 times that I have used the "rapid fire" technique since I got the 20D.

[radar-eclipse]

Good shots Tom. Try iso 200 next time and as you pointed out, f4.5-5.6 will likely bring in the car better front to rear. Good info to post and great job!

[musthavemuzk]

Do you know how much torque it takes to pull the front end? Wow!
i do not know a specific number but i do know i like seeing it as much as possible.
it does not matter to be if the fronts are off the ground 3" or if it is 3' i still get the same giddy feeling going on.
2 weeks now til the first test at tune near me.

Monty