I worked as a press photographer in New York City and Montreal. In New York, "Working Press" credentials were issued by the police department, however, many amateur and professional athletic organizations and venues required specific accreditation to their events. Vests, ID tags and other visible means of identification were issued to authorized photographer and journalists. Up here in Canada, many governmental events like visits form foreign dignitaries also require security clearance and special passes, pins or ID tags even for full-time media folks.

With today's security measures, even at sports and entertainment events, anyone trying to pass themselves off as as an authorized person without the paperwork and required "uniform", may end up in the jailhouse- at least for the afternoon.

If you want to cover an event, seek out the proper permission. Even freelancers can be granted credentials in many cases- especially if photography is a significant part of you livelihood.

Most drag racing tracks that I have been to you can either get a more permanent credential with a lanyard or a vest of some sort that identifies you as media to their staff. Some organizations are much stricter, NHRA for example, and others enforce the rules more loosely. Ultimately I feel you are responsible for your well being and equipment well being and not interfering with the racing in any way. Some track and organizations allow the use of flash or strobes and others do not. Usually you have to sign a release and sometimes a set of rules to adhere to when receiving your credential. I have even had some tracks ask for copies of your photos that can get a little dicy. Usually an inquiry with the sanctioning organization and the track staff where you want to shoot will help you learn how to get access if you can. This should be done several weeks to several days in advance of any actual event. The staff is often too busy to deal with this stuff during race days unless you are already know to them. In drag racing the shooters are pretty well known to each other and often friends. So, you sort of have to accept that they are wondering what you are doing there in their world and if you have the common sense and manners to shoot with them. In time they can become friends too. But many of them are shooting to make a living or part of their living and some of us are out there shooting to promote the sport, but not for a living. Be respectful of those who are trying to make a buck. It can also be a very long and hot day or days at an event. Many tracks have media rooms with internet access, workspace, drinks, snacks and meals. In todays world many of these people are trying to get their photos processed and uploaded to websites as quickly as they can.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Here is the answer to the original question...
Being a photojournalist for 41 years now and shooting more NASCAR races thanI care ti mention, I can explain the Kodak vest question.
You show your photographer credentials and drivers license at the “vest” area in the media work area inside the track and are given to use a Kodak vest. You license is copied and off you go. When you are dine shooting the race weekend (could be one to multiple days) you return the vest and your info is erased. If you dont return the vest you are sent a bill for a replacement! You are NOT required as a credentialed photographer at any NASCAR race to wear the vest BUT it is more helpful for you to have the vest on during your time shooting. What the vest does is show any official at a glance that you are at least supposed to be a pro and they dont check your credentials! The big bold number on the vest is connected to your name and identification so if you are doing something wring tney simply call in the number and BAM.... If you dont have a vest on then you will have to show your credentials seversl times a race and race weekend so the vest makes your job easier!! The vests are property of NASCAR and travel from track to track so you will see the same vests every weekend at different tracks. Most of the regulars shoot for the many NASCAR magazines that are in publication ( Circle Track, Pole Position, Speedway Ill etc)

Oh! So that's what you were doing.

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Posted on Texas Motor Speedway site:

All credentialed photographers must have a blue vest and it must be worn at all times. To receive a vest, photographers must attend the mandatory photo meetings, located in the photo room, during the weekend where you will receive your photo vest redemption card. Vests are available at the counter in the media center. Meeting times will be posted in the photo room and throughout the media center.

http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/news/general-media-information/

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