25hrs of Thunderhill

[Curtis Creager]

I was just wondering if anyone wouldn't mind sharing or giving some advise about shooting at Thunderhill? I am planning on going to the 25hr. I've seen some great stuff from there but I'm not sure if you can get around easily like some other tracks.

I know the weather can be very cold if not down right nasty...that is some what easy to prepare for. I just don't know what kind of access there is around the track during the race and I would guess at night it would be very limited.

Thanks,
Curtis

[E. John Thawley III]

If you get a photo pass to get to the outside of the track, you'll want proper footwear...

http://www.napaglove.com/images/boots/3BTMPT.gif

[Doug DeVetter]

Hi Curtis,

There are a lot of nice images to be had all around the paddock in the center of the track...turn 10 through turn 1...and most are available from spectator areas.

Will you have a photo pass through NASA? Even with access, I would recommend against going beyond those turns unless you have an experienced photographer to show you around...especially at night.

Take a look at GotBlueMilk.com - Dito Milian shoots out there a lot and has galleries that you can browse for ideas.

Happy to answer specific questions.

Doug

[Curtis Creager]

Hi Doug and John,

I'm working on the pass through NASA.
If everything works out I hope to cover as much of the track as I can during daylight hours. I know that the weather around their can get nasty. As far as getting around at night I have no grand-elusions of getting around in the dark. I would like to get a few long-exposure shots but they may only happen close to the spectator areas.

I have plenty of bad weather clothes and boots that will keep me feet dry and "safe", I stepped on a nail last year walking through a motocross track so now I wear full shank boots when needed.

I'll take a look at the site and see what kind of angles he gets.

Thanks again guys!

Cheers,
Curtis

[E. John Thawley III]

As far as getting around at night I have no grand-elusions of getting around in the dark. I would like to get a few long-exposure shots but they may only happen close to the spectator areas.
You'll be fine. There's never been a time that I've wanted special access at night (other than along the hot pit). There is ZERO ambient light in the area. So most of your night shooting will be at dawn/dusk or along pit row.

Turn 14 is where to go for glowing brake shots. On the inside, you'll have to shoot thru or over a fence (and the dozen or so other photos). On the out side you don't.

Thunderhill is a very "open" track. If you ever thought about renting/carrying really long glass like a 400/600, this is the place for it.

http://www.thunderhill.com/assets/images/trackmapnew02.jpg