Drag Races: On April 6th I am going to the Four-Wide Nationals here in Las Vegas. I have never shot drag racing and I'm looking for comments and advice on where to shoot, how to shoot...

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Drag Races

Mar 17, 2019 11:28:41 #

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

On April 6th I am going to the Four-Wide Nationals here in Las Vegas. I have never shot drag racing and I'm looking for comments and advice on where to shoot, how to shoot this kind of event. From what I am understanding I will be sitting very close (tickets for one day $400.00) It's a package thing with food, etc.
I would figure it out once I am there, but looking for advice from you pros.
Equipment:
Nikon D500 and D4 lens 80-400 4.5-5.6, and 70-200 2.8 vr II.

Thanks in advance,
Jules

Mar 18, 2019 07:51:03 #

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Hey Jules,
Cant help you with what lens to use, but I know here in Charlotte when they have the four wide drag races, the spectators are allowed openly to walk around the pit area's to view all of that great action. So with that in mind (I dont know if that is an opportunity in Vegas) but it would make for a lot of close interaction, so I would keep that in mind also for your lens selection.
Looking forward to viewing your photo's from the races. Best of luck, and I'm sure you well make the correct lens choices.

Tom

Mar 18, 2019 08:32:47 #

Paloviejo

Stay behind a solid barrier....there are a lot of photos of cars having bad days in really bad ways.

Mar 18, 2019 11:05:11 #

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tom DePuy wrote:

Hey Jules, br Cant help you with what lens to use,... (show quote)

Thanks for getting back to me on this. I will take the 80-400 and for closer shots 24-70 2.8. From my understanding our seat are very close.

Mar 18, 2019 11:06:16 #

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Paloviejo wrote:

Stay behind a solid barrier....there are a lot of photos of cars having bad days in really bad ways.

Absolutelystand behind something concrete and very big and strong.

Mar 18, 2019 11:52:37 #

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Some better than good ear plugs also may be a good choice....

Mar 18, 2019 11:57:31 #

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tom DePuy wrote:

Some better than good ear plugs also may be a good choice....

Yep my friend has all the ear gear. If I think I have trouble hearing now, can't image after the races with no covers. lol

Mar 18, 2019 12:09:49 #

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Jules Karney wrote:

Yep my friend has all the ear gear. If I think I have trouble hearing now, can't image after the races with no covers. lol

Ive personally never been to the ones here at Z-Max dragway but my brother-in-law goes every spring and each time he goes he just keeps getting better and better ear coverage....I think he's doing plugs and head gear now...double the pleasure

Mar 18, 2019 12:12:44 #

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tom DePuy wrote:

That is what I am going to have ear plugs and head gear too. The last time I shoot drag races was in Calif. at Lions Drag strip. That was 53 years ago. Oh no I am really dating myself now.

Mar 18, 2019 12:24:55 #

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

These are some photos from a couple of times he went....phone photos..
Some of these are to show how close that you can actually have access to.

Driver John Kalitta
Driver John Kalitta...