WRC - New Zealand - Day Three (Raglan)

[Wazza]

I attended my very first rally event today. How exciting. Ok, more frustrating than anything else. Managed to go well past the "proper" viewing area, and didn't realise there is no public access at the start of SS 17 and the finish of SS 18/20. So arrived SS17 and was told to move on, and should try 18/20 end of course, which I did. 30km later, and I'm still driving around looking for a proper viewing area, and end of going to the one I saw over an hour earlier, and watched just the start of SS19 and then raced along to see a few cars go along SS20.

The highlight was getting up close and talking to all the drivers before SS17. (I turned around, and then realised the cars were lining up 1km away, taking a pee break, and a stretch).
All these shots were edited very quick, and the levels aren't right or good white balance. Whoops.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_01.jpg
After having a chat with Petter, himself and co-driver get geared up and ready to roll for a 9.23am start. (Image shot at 9:18... They were pushing it tight!)

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_1.jpg
A view of the Whaanga Coast

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_02.jpg
Winner, Sebastian Loeb. Congratulations.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_03.jpg
Petter heavy on the brakes for the upcoming 90 degree left.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_08.jpg
Roadsweeping was left up to Warmbold who was running each stage first.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_13.jpg
Warp Speed.. Not exactly sharp.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_18.jpg
Waiting patiently before SS17.

http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/licking_lips.jpg
Getting Cheeky!

Now next year.. to attend every day, and not get lost. :)

I'm at Pukekohe next weekend for all 3 days.. Should be more straightforward.

[theflyingkiwi]

they are some good photos, I like number 6, it is a shame however it's not sharp, but great lighting :)

I was thinking of going to pukekohe on sunday, but not to sure if I would get a good spot to some decent photos.

[Wazza]

Yeah, I like #6 also. :)
http://wazz*****scity.com/20d/wrc05_10.jpg
That's the number 6 Subi entering this shadow area. I was too scared standing just 3 metres from cars, and not getting my lens smashed from a rock, and dust was crazy.. When I was doing the panning shots, I only tried a couple, and pulled away fast. Next time, no fear.

[theflyingkiwi]

that's the key, no fear no gain, or something like that :) What lens did ya use? I found that it takes alot of time to get the paining right. I have got some great photos from the NZ jetsprints champs.

Just got to get of my butt and post them :)

[NikonF4s]

great shots wazza! yeah, I know what you mean about the dust/rocks. I took a large rock in the neck on Saturday, I am now sporting a large welt!

[Wazza]

I was using Sigma 70-300, and the up close, and those shadow panning ones, were with 17-40.

Ouch Mark!

[Moppie]

.....and ready to roll for a 9.23am start. (Image shot at 9:18... They were pushing it tight!)


Thats what makes rallying fun! :cool:


Those are some fantastic shots!
Is there any type of photography you are not good at?

[Ian_H]

Great shots Wazza, they really capture the atmosphere.


Cheers
Ian

[Wazza]

Thats what makes rallying fun! :cool:


Those are some fantastic shots!
Is there any type of photography you are not good at?

I've never shot motorsport before. :p

It's a pity, that first Warmbold shot, was my first of the day (action-wise). At that point I was up 5 metres up the bank, having a good view, but didn't really create fun shots. I would have preferred to have one of the green official WRC photographer vests. But I would have to apply for that, and probably show some samples - which I never had before.

Thanks Ian.

[Skip Souza]

Fantastac shots. How I long for the good old days of fast cars blasting down public roads, spitting gravel in all directions, chickens scattering...............
Of course I like the modern stuff lik Spandex and Lycra ;-)

[Wazza]

Why did the chicken cross the road?

We now all know.

If it wasn't for those rally cars in the early days. I guess the farmers whose properties are next to the roads used, are told firmly beforehand to keep their stock controlled, and have no cattle walks that day... ;)