Knowing of Events to shoot?

Alright, so through the different styles of photography i've shot i have the most fun shooting motorsports. And i've decided i want to spend this summer going to as many events as i can in Northern California. My question is how do you know of all the events going on? Im sure there are many events going on every weekend and im just not aware of them.

Also a question on press passes, i currently shoot for free for Chico State's newspaper, whould that still be able to get me press passes to events over the summer when the paper is not published? And also would the fact that i have my own website and sell pictures from it be able to get me a pass?

KJEphoto wrote in post #7398741
Alright, so through the different styles of photography i've shot i have the most fun shooting motorsports. And i've decided i want to spend this summer going to as many events as i can in Northern California. My question is how do you know of all the events going on? Im sure there are many events going on every weekend and im just not aware of them.

Also a question on press passes, i currently shoot for free for Chico State's newspaper, whould that still be able to get me press passes to events over the summer when the paper is not published? And also would the fact that i have my own website and sell pictures from it be able to get me a pass?

try searching through www.whowon.com

pick the area and choose a track

not always something listed for schedules but a good place to start for any location and has links to just about everything.

Check the National Speedway Directory site for track links.

KJEphoto wrote in post #7398741
And also would the fact that i have my own website and sell pictures from it be able to get me a pass?

If the track has its own photographer, that may work against you because you'd be seen as competition. You may have better luck not asking for a credential and buying a pit pass.

Just look for the different tracks around you, contact them and ask for a schedule. Ask some further questions such as conditions, or if they're a smaller track, if they want to pay you to shoot for them.

KJEphoto wrote in post #7398741
Also a question on press passes, i currently shoot for free for Chico State's newspaper, whould that still be able to get me press passes to events over the summer when the paper is not published? And also would the fact that i have my own website and sell pictures from it be able to get me a pass?

Press passes......well the clue is in the name. To qualify for one of these you need to be working for a recognised outlet and be supplying images for publication. I somehow doubt that a paper that's not published while events are on over the summer is going to cut the mustard. The publication you are working for will usually apply for accreditation on your behalf.

While I can't speak for the US, having your own website that you sell images from will most certainly NOT get you a pass in the UK. If it did, every single person with a camera would be track side. There are also some series and championships that will control image rights extremely tightly, and will expect you to pay a lot of money prior to allowing you to sell images for anything other than editorial use.

Simon.

Make sure you don't miss the Ferrari Challenge at Infineon May 1st-3rd.

http://www2.ferraricha​llenge.com/challenge/i​ndex.cfm?cid=19772

I have gone several times and it is well worth the $20 admission. I would meet up with you but I can't make it this year unfortunately.