Dirt track at night

[pitrow]

I follow a local dirt late model series and on occasion I have access to the center of the track for taking pictures. I feel like I'm doing ok with the day time images, for example this one..

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/pitrow_productions/madras%207-4-08/IMG_0372.jpg
(sorry photobucket kinda clobbers the quality)

but my night shots are really lacking. It doesn't help that the track lighting is pretty inadequate. What can I do to improve my pics? I'm trying to use track lighting to my advantage, which is normally the best in the corners (plus that's usually where the action happens).

My equipment is as follows:
Rebel XT
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Bower SFD35C flash (guide no. 112 @ 50mm)

this is one of the better shots I've been able to get, but as you can see there's just enough light to show the cars and not much else.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/pitrow_productions/madras%207-4-08/IMG_0195.jpg

Other than spending $$$ for a brighter flash, getting the track to improve the lighting, or moving closer to the cars (not gonna happen), what can I do to improve my photos?

Thanks!

[DC Fan]

Two possible solutions:

1. More powerful flash. A favorite among oval track photographers is the Norman, which is extremely powerful (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/38132-REG/Norman_810821_810821_400_W_S_Battery.html) but also extremely expensive at US $1,500.

2. Use high ISO and available light without flash.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/10112008b0292.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090417b0467.jpg

The available light approach can work, but it helps to have a fast lens - although the above examples were at ISO 1600 with a 70-300mm IS USM lens.

[pitrow]

Thanks for the reply! I'm pretty sure that norman is outta my price range right now. Guess I'll have to see about renting a better lens for track days.

Thanks again!

[Bosscat]

Just say no to flash.

[pitrow]

Just say no to flash.

Unfortunately that's impossible at the tracks I'm at. The lighting is so poor that even at 1600 ISO (max for my body) I can't get enough light to make a decent exposure without shutter speeds much too slow to be useful.

[ryant35]

Renting some really fast glass is going to be your best bet. 70-200 f/2.8, depending on your distance from the track, 85mm f/1.8 would be even better.

At least with motorsports you already shoot with a slow shutter, so no need to bump your iso too high.

[racing-guy]

Unfortunately that's impossible at the tracks I'm at. The lighting is so poor that even at 1600 ISO (max for my body) I can't get enough light to make a decent exposure without shutter speeds much too slow to be useful.

You have two limiting factors - a) ISO 1600 and b) the F3.5 - 5.6 lens

If you have the money to go to a camera with ISO 3200 and to buy an F2.8 lens you will be set. I regularly shoot a track where the light isn't great but I've stopped using a flash since I bought the Sigma 70-200 F2.8.

Assuming that you don't have the money to upgrade, your next best bet is to get more from your flash. I'm not familiar with your model. Can you set flash exposure compensation on it? I was using a Canon 430EX II and when I bumped up the FEC by 2/3 it made a huge difference.