Tips for nighttime race shooting

I have a first opportunity at the end of October for some night racing at VIR. I didn't know what techniques photographers typically used for successful night racing shots.

V4her wrote in post #15035421
I have a first opportunity at the end of October for some night racing at VIR. I didn't know what techniques photographers typically used for successful night racing shots.

Fast lens and high ISO. There are no mysteries and no miracles. In these examples, a 60D and a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens were used. Any comparable equipment will give similar results.

Will there be any temporary lighting in place? If not you're stuck with total darkness once the sun goes down. At that point you'll have to use whatever ambient light you can find.

Bicknell55 wrote in post #15035721
Will there be any temporary lighting in place? If not you're stuck with total darkness once the sun goes down. At that point you'll have to use whatever ambient light you can find.

I don't know, having never been. I was checking the remaining events calendar. Two events remain. A historic car race and 'Charge of the Headlight Brigade'. The first one is a known quantity. I guess I will inquire into the event regarding track-side lighting.

Maybe a better question. In the absence of flood lights, with just the car head lights, do you tend to shoot panning or stills?

Stills as far as off-track stuff, or do you mean like head on or going away shots? Forget about a fast shutter speed if it is pitch black. Otherwise it all depends on what light is available. You really just have to be flexible and work with what you're provided.

Road Atlanta utilizes portable lighting for Petit Le Mans. In 2010 the lights were aimed such that I could get this shot:

V4her wrote in post #15035832
I don't know, having never been. I was checking the remaining events calendar. Two events remain. A historic car race and 'Charge of the Headlight Brigade'. The first one is a known quantity. I guess I will inquire into the event regarding track-side lighting.

Maybe a better question. In the absence of flood lights, with just the car head lights, do you tend to shoot panning or stills?

Sorry to assume the race would be flood-lit. "Night racing" around these parts usually means an oval race which has just enough illumination to allow a useful image with the correct lens and camera setting. If there's no supplemental lighting, then you're looking at the use of flash, and a flash that is powerful enough to properly illuminate a car from a distance can be expensive.

High watt seconds flashes can be a great asset. Especially with long throw reflectors. You would have to watch the T duration of the flash though as it may not be quick enough to give you a sharp image.

I rarely shoot track racing, but I shoot a lot of rallying and use off camera flashes when it's too dark.

This shot was taken in complete darkness, lit only by the cars headlights, my on camera flash and my off camera flash. In hindsight - it was snowing, so I should have turned off the on camera flash (created those pale orbs).