Motorsports - How to take epic photos!?

So I would like to start off by saying, I have never done any motorsport photography, however I entered a contest for next weekend, there will be a trackday locally and I am entered in the event as well so I will be driving and taking photos when I am not driving. I currently have a Canon 50D, 28-135is with a hood, 50mm 1.8, and a 75-300(unfathomably slow AF). I am wondering, do you think I will need a different lens for this to win the contest ( I know its not all the gear obviously, but will it help?) I was thinking about renting a 70-200 f4L, its about 40$ for 3 days on this website http://www.borrowlense​s.com/ Maybe there is a different lens that will suit the motorsport photography needs better? I dont want to go overboard but I feel like I have a good eye and could get a good shot(only takes one to win the competition). I also have a dolica carbon tripod with ball head(not sure if this helps?) I will have on track access to take photos so what do you think will suit me best or will my current setup do? I could also ask my dads friend to borrow his 24-105 f4L(but there is no guarantee on that one.. but I can always rent whatever lens will suit the application best)

also any techniques or settings that will help me get the best shots and what I can do to practice ( I was planning on going out on the street and trying to get some shots of cars rolling by, but they are limited to about 25mph and I will see much greater speeds on track)

canis89 wrote in post #15549039
So I would like to start off by saying, I have never done any motorsport photography, however I entered a contest for next weekend, there will be a trackday locally and I am entered in the event as well so I will be driving and taking photos when I am not driving. I currently have a Canon 50D, 28-135is with a hood, 50mm 1.8, and a 75-300(unfathomably slow AF). I am wondering, do you think I will need a different lens for this to win the contest ( I know its not all the gear obviously, but will it help?) I was thinking about renting a 70-200 f4L, its about 40$ for 3 days on this website http://www.borrowlense​s.com/ Maybe there is a different lens that will suit the motorsport photography needs better? I dont want to go overboard but I feel like I have a good eye and could get a good shot(only takes one to win the competition). I also have a dolica carbon tripod with ball head(not sure if this helps?) I will have on track access to take photos so what do you think will suit me best or will my current setup do? I could also ask my dads friend to borrow his 24-105 f4L(but there is no guarantee on that one.. but I can always rent whatever lens will suit the application best)

also any techniques or settings that will help me get the best shots and what I can do to practice ( I was planning on going out on the street and trying to get some shots of cars rolling by, but they are limited to about 25mph and I will see much greater speeds on track)

"Epic photos" that can win a contest don't depend on lenses. They depend on situations. locations. talent and luck.

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I understand but there are still some lenses that are tailored more for what I want to achieve. If I were to take a portrait photo I would pick up my 50mm 1.8, not my 75-300. I won't be buying a lens that I don't need, I am merely renting it at a cheap price imo. I feel like it would be nice to have greater control over my aperture and a greater focal length. I am just asking for suggestions on what I might want to help better my chances at getting some good action shots. I know that my 50D takes much better action shots than my old canon rebel xsi, and I know that glass can make a big difference and obviously experience is important but i'd just like to give myself a bit of an advantage if I can. This is not exactly a big contest either, its a small event and I suspect not many photographers will be out there.

example of a shot a photographer took of my run group last time. I think that I can do better, no offense to the photog that took these.

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canis89 wrote in post #15549676
I understand but there are still some lenses that are tailored more for what I want to achieve. If I were to take a portrait photo I would pick up my 50mm 1.8, not my 75-300. I won't be buying a lens that I don't need, I am merely renting it at a cheap price imo. I feel like it would be nice to have greater control over my aperture and a greater focal length. I am just asking for suggestions on what I might want to help better my chances at getting some good action shots. I know that my 50D takes much better action shots than my old canon rebel xsi, and I know that glass can make a big difference and obviously experience is important but i'd just like to give myself a bit of an advantage if I can. This is not exactly a big contest either, its a small event and I suspect not many photographers will be out there.
example of a shot a photographer took of my run group last time. I think that I can do better, no offense to the photog that took these.

The example images above came from a Sigma 150-500mm OS lens, a Canon 18-200mm IS, and a Canon 70 300mm IS lens.

If you want to learn what lenses to use to capture distant racing action, in general the longer the lens, the more suitable. Hard-core racing photographers tend to gravitate toward monopod-mounted prime 500mm and 600mm lenses. Those photographers also have figured out how to control those large lenses, something that is not automatic. Keeping a fast-moving racer in frame using a very long lens can take time to figure out, especially for someone who has never used that equipment.

However, the thread header wasn't about lens choice, which is straightforward and dictated by distances and desired framing. You wrote that you want to learn how to take "epic photos." To accomplish that,you need to start by studying the work of the established industry professionals who have mastered the art and technique of racing photography. You're dealing with people who have the equivalent of several decades of experience and are still learning. And while it's easy to recommend a super telephoto lens, at least one of the photographers linked above has switched to a short-to-normal Leica camera for some memorable pit and paddock candid portraits that can be considered as "epic" as peak action images because of the unguarded emotions they capture.

It all depends on how far away from the track you will be. A zoom will be ideal, but something like a 500mm prime will give your sharper more detailed images. The biggest thing to think about though is composition, plus a bit of luck.

The following were all taken with a Canon EOS 450D and Canon EF 75-300mm f4/5.6 MK3 Non USM Lens.

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I started witha Sony A100, & 75-300 5.6, then got a 200-400 tamorn 5.6...
After much thinking I decided to change brands, I went witha Canon 7D & started withan 18-200 lens,..a great little lens, then added a 100-400 , a bit harder to use but very handy,...
Great images are the result of tokin lots of images & having something happen where you get to capture it sharply ....saved my pennies & recently acuried a 70-200f2.8 II,...brilliant lens & a pere loved 300 f2.8 ...awasome lens..'
Now I just gotta go & use em more...
Good luck.

canis89 wrote in post #15549676
I know that my 50D takes much better action shots than my old canon rebel xsi, and I know that glass can make a big difference and obviously experience is important but i'd just like to give myself a bit of an advantage if I can. This is not exactly a big contest either, its a small event and I suspect not many photographers will be out there.

example of a shot a photographer took of my run group last time. I think that I can do better, no offense to the photog that took these.

Things you need to take "epic" motorsports pictures: Time, technique, practice, experience, knowing the track, having access to the best shooting areas (not easy for an "amateur"), having a good camera and lens with fast and accurate AF, and having lenses with enough "reach".

Now, if is a small contest, and you aren't really a motorsports photographer, what are looking to gain from it? Just curious.

As far as the pictures you used as examples, you may think you can do better, but until you've really developed your skill you may find that you can't do better.

Well as far as benefits go, I would receive a 100$ prize along with free track days for the rest of the year, I do drive on the track and will be attending this event to drive, I go to the track for fun and it would be great to have in my portfolio even though I do not plan on becoming a motorsport's photographer. Obviously I won't be getting any "epic" shots with my limited skills in photography in general but I was hoping to get some advice on shutter speeds, angles, use of tripod, ect. And you are completely right, I may not be able to capture as good a photo, but I would hope to get more of a sense of speed in my shots with the use of panning or other techniques, those look quite dull imo.

canis89 wrote in post #15549039
Motorsports - How to take epic photos!?

The simple answer is don't do what every body else does.

The more complex answer and is look for angles and compositions that are artistic and creative. Think about everything in the frame and how it is constructed into the final image.
Find ways to make crash barriers and the stands look interesting.
Go to the corners no one else is shooting at, look for places to shoot from that no one else has seen.

Define what you mean by epic and link to some of the types of shots you want to achieve.

Find and shoot epic racing in epic light from epic locations...

You can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t.

Take a look at this guys work. This should give you lots of ideas.

http://500px.com/RobKi​ng

canis89 wrote in post #15566641
Well as far as benefits go, I would receive a 100$ prize along with free track days for the rest of the year, I do drive on the track and will be attending this event to drive, I go to the track for fun and it would be great to have in my portfolio even though I do not plan on becoming a motorsport's photographer. Obviously I won't be getting any "epic" shots with my limited skills in photography in general but I was hoping to get some advice on shutter speeds, angles, use of tripod, ect. And you are completely right, I may not be able to capture as good a photo, but I would hope to get more of a sense of speed in my shots with the use of panning or other techniques, those look quite dull imo.

Well, some shots will need to be a fast shutter, some shots will need a slow shutter and panning technique. No tripod, but maybe a monopod.

The problem with the shots you showed is that they are both nearly head on shots. The only way so give a sense of speed on those is to take them in a corner so that you are showing some lean in the car. Like this:

http://500px.com/photo​/10710919

and this:

http://500px.com/photo​/11639375

Panning is primarily done with "side shots" of the car. Like this:

http://500px.com/photo​/12433171

Also, you want a tighter, more interesting crop than your examples. And the other thing I noticed with them is that they are rather lifeless in the color area. But that is really going to depend on the track and weather conditions.

Again, if you want ideas you can refer back to the link to Robert King's 500px page.

What is "epic"? That is hard to define. Certainly the examples you posted from the other photog are not particularly "epic". I think "epic" needs to show some action. Let's assume you don't get lucky and have someone spin or crash in front of you. You have a couple of options.

Panning to show speed.

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Some tremendous advice here, I've been shooting at races / events for 4 or so years now (though not often enough), and feel that I'm still very much a "newb", learning more and hopefully improving a little bit each time.