First time shooting a drag race. Holy crap nitro fumes!

The first time shooting a drag race was also my first time to a drag race. We were shooting at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma for the Fram Autolite Nationals. After setting up in the media room, Mark, my partner in crime, quickly showed me where I was and was not allowed to stand then quickly left to the top end of the track.



Beginning the day with pro stock motorcycles allowed me to get a grasp and a strong understanding of how drags ran.

As the pro stock cars were racing, I went back to the staging area to see what that was all about. Below was probably one of my favorite shots from the weekend. The color of pro stock driver V Gaines sunglass lenses mixed with the background created a neat shot.

Everyone had tried to prepared me for the top fuel vehicles. I had no idea what to expect. As the first cars were lining up, Mark and Richard were laughing in my radio how they should be down by me taking photos of my reaction.

After the funny cars did their burn out, I knelt below the wall and braced myself as I watched the trees lights flash. No ones description could even come close to the rush that actually occurred. The sound...the vibrations...the nitro fumes...the rush...I was surprised how well I was able to shoot funny car driver Bob Tasco III with the first few set of cars!

In between some of the cars another photographer, Dave Kommel, came over to tell me how I looked like I have been shooting these races for years. He said he turned around to see how I was doing and was impressed that I was "chimping" with the rest of the photographers.

Next were the dragsters. Definitely equally as intense. Did I mention I'm hooked?

Below Cory McClenathan's crew watches as he launches off the starting line.

Mark finally made his way down from the top end to also do some shooting in the stage lanes. Below is Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, I mean Mark and Richard.

Getting a little chilly as the sun went down, very unexpected weather.

Photo by Mark Rebilas

As the sun was setting, I was anxious to shoot some flame shots. Before the sun was completely down, I adjusted my settings to see if I could get the flames with a silhouette of funny car . I was even more excited when I realized I also captured Bob Tasca III with a neat sky in the background.

The next few shots are different variations and angles I ran around getting.

Caught another photographers flash as Joe Hartley flies by creating a unique reflection. Just wish I also got the front of the car!

By the end of the day, I was finally able to keep my eyes open longer then the cars reaching directly next to me. I had accomplished a full pan!

Saturday morning I tried moving down the to the middle of the track beside the bleachers. I was shooting with a 400 lens which was a bit too much lens for this spot and got some random stuff and half of dragsters!

Clay McClenathan catches some flames as he makes his way to the finish line.

Allan Johnson's funny car always seemed to catch my eye...

One of Mark's greatest strengths is his ability to capture drivers as they are preparing for their event. As I made my way back to the staging lanes, I mentally prepared myself to shoot things the way Mark would shoot it. I still have tons to learn and work on.

Here's my favorite moment I captured of top fuel dragster driver Doug Kalitta as he suits up prior to the race.

Preparing the track for the top fuel vehicles.

Cruising back from the staging lanes.

Photo by Richard Quattrocci

More racing.

My favorite paint job belongs to funny car driver Ron Capps! I love how the car reflects off the track.

As Jeff Arend's crew is getting his car ready, I noticed a light pocket the lit up his helmet perfectly. I tried to capture it with other drivers, but nothing beat this.

John Force watching his daughter, Ashley, as she awaits the green light.

Sunday I posted camp on the opposite side of the bleachers that I stood on Saturday. It was perfect for the 400. Holding down my spot!

Photo by Will Lester

Photo by Mark Rebilas

Shooting the drag from this vantage point was one of my favorite spots the whole weekend. I was able to follow the vehicles from start to finish line almost flawlessly...Hand holding my new favorite lens, the 400!

Mark with his great spot!!

For the final round, I switch up to the 200 lens with a 1.4 converter. I wanted to be safe and make sure that I get the whole vehicle crossing the finish line. I'm happy with the outcome.

Pro stock motorcycle driver Andrew Hines (left) defeats teammate Eddie Krawiec.

Pro stock driver Jason Line (left) defeats teammate Greg Anderson.

Funny car driver Tim Wilkerson (left) defeats Tony Pedrego.

Top fuel dragster driver Andron Brown (right) defeats Cory McClenathan.

For the winner's circle shot, I decide not to gather with the rest of the photographers in hopes that maybe I could get a different angle.

I found a Rhino that was chained up over to the side. With no owner in site, I jumped on and started shooting.

Photo by Richard Quattrocci

After a long weekend of working, Mark made me carry him to the Golden Gate Bridge since I had never been there before.

Photo by Dustin Snipes

Of course we had to take a group shot, but no one but us were qualified to take the photo. So Mark found a suitable post!