With the release of Cars 2 this weekend, my mind goes back to the scene in the original Cars where Doc Hudson schools Lightning McQueen on the proper way to race on dirt. ; Specifically, one throws the rear end out, turns the wheels to the right and uses the throttle as much as the steering to control the car's direction.
In May 2010, I decided to return to the Hoosier Hundred, featuring USAC Silver Crown champ cars racing on the dirt mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. ; These are ridiculously overpowered open-wheel cars running 100 mile races on dirt ovals. ; I had been once before and really enjoyed the retro feel of the event.
This time, rather than a grandstand seat, I purchased an infield ticket so I could get a few shots of the cars. ; I arrived during pre-race practice, but discovered that the inside guard rail obscured the lower part of the cars, making for lousy photos. ; There were several photographers standing near the guardrails, but I had no credentials and assumed they were all either professionals or "knew someone."
On closer examination, however, I saw no evidence of credentials or "professional" equipment on many of the photographers. ; Wandering over to the gate, I found no security whatsoever so I just joined the crowd. ; Here are a few of the resulting shots.
John Heydenreich
Levi Jones
"Magic Man" Mike Martin goes high
Zach Daum burns rubber
A.J. Fike
Brian Clauson - why is he looking at me?
How close was I?
This one makes me smile. ; Formula 1 teams use high-speed ultra-light carbon fiber air guns to change tires in a few seconds. ; Silver Crown crews use this big honkin' wrench.
All in all, it was fun. ; I left the area before the real racing began. ; I was happy to see that proper credentials were required once the full field took to the track.
In May 2010, I decided to return to the Hoosier Hundred, featuring USAC Silver Crown champ cars racing on the dirt mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. ; These are ridiculously overpowered open-wheel cars running 100 mile races on dirt ovals. ; I had been once before and really enjoyed the retro feel of the event.
This time, rather than a grandstand seat, I purchased an infield ticket so I could get a few shots of the cars. ; I arrived during pre-race practice, but discovered that the inside guard rail obscured the lower part of the cars, making for lousy photos. ; There were several photographers standing near the guardrails, but I had no credentials and assumed they were all either professionals or "knew someone."
On closer examination, however, I saw no evidence of credentials or "professional" equipment on many of the photographers. ; Wandering over to the gate, I found no security whatsoever so I just joined the crowd. ; Here are a few of the resulting shots.
John Heydenreich
Levi Jones
"Magic Man" Mike Martin goes high
Zach Daum burns rubber
A.J. Fike
Brian Clauson - why is he looking at me?
How close was I?
This one makes me smile. ; Formula 1 teams use high-speed ultra-light carbon fiber air guns to change tires in a few seconds. ; Silver Crown crews use this big honkin' wrench.
All in all, it was fun. ; I left the area before the real racing began. ; I was happy to see that proper credentials were required once the full field took to the track.
