I'll be there for the ALMS race this coming weekend and I'd like to find the good photo spots, so a little local knowledge would be appreciated .

And if anyone has been there for the ALMS race in the past, how packed is it usually? We have seats in the grandstands, but we may just be there for the start and most likely roam around for the rest of the race (or at least during qualifying and practice)

Thanks!

Brian
-who hopes to get some pimptatstic photos this weekend

 

The mound on the outside of the keyhole is good (you get the action as they do the turn before the long back straight), the mound on the inside of the track across from turn 5 (action cresting into the "Madness" area, lots of elevation change with some off camber) ... and some areas in the infield near the honda bridges.

Paddock passes would be nice as well, since I believe they may still let you up on the balcony in front of the garages, with a possible look into the pit straight/pit area, also (as an afterthought) somewhere outside the last turn or two before pit in (might be a little hard to get to and have never ventured there, personally).

Have fun.

 

Pit/Paddock passes have been acquired

Thanks for the tips Ed

Brian
-who is purchasing a 1GB CompactFlash card so he can take tons of high res. shots this weekend

 

Get the cars right after the back straight (near the 16 is a good shot). I have a few shots of my car coming down the Madness. It even makes my car look sweet.

 

This past weekend the Pro-Photo guy was taking shots at the begining of the up hill S's right under the Honda Bridge. On the map above it's between the two upper Number 16s. Also the first set of S's after the long straight is a great place as well. Another great view is from the 2nd story deck above the garages. It's a public viewing area. I highly recommend getting a golf cart when you arrive.

 

M-O is a great place to spectate from as there are a number of good spots. When we go to spectate only (as opposed to race or work), we start in the grandstands at the end of the back straight, preferably the farthest one down up near the back as it gives the best view. That is where you will find me for most of the races during the Runoffs as you can see more track and racing from that point than any. If you feel like walking, the then cross back over to the infield and basically walk the fences all the way clockwise around making sure to see Madness, Thunder Valley, etc. Then cross over the main bridge and walk up to the Keyhole to see the end of the race. That way you are up near your car if it is parked in the Southern area and you can beat the crowds as you leave.

It can be nice to take your car over the bridge into the infield but be prepared for a serious wait to get out when the race is over as there is only one bridge to escape. With a good spectating "methodology" you can see the good areas and beat the traffic out.

I'll be there on Friday and Saturday walking the paddock and working with teams. If you see the Koni trailer and a big gauteed guy, say "Hi".

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">M-O is a great place to spectate from as there are a number of good spots. When we go to spectate only (as opposed to race or work), we start in the grandstands at the end of the back straight, preferably the farthest one down up near the back as it gives the best view. That is where you will find me for most of the races during the Runoffs as you can see more track and racing from that point than any. If you feel like walking, the then cross back over to the infield and basically walk the fences all the way clockwise around making sure to see Madness, Thunder Valley, etc. Then cross over the main bridge and walk up to the Keyhole to see the end of the race. That way you are up near your car if it is parked in the Southern area and you can beat the crowds as you leave.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wow, I do the exact same thing!!!

The stands are a great place, just not for photos. Theres alot of catch fencing, the only place really where there isn't much is probably in between the end of the esses and Thunder Valley. The garage walk-overs are still intact, and they make for amazing photo ops.

ALMS crowd isn't that big, I'd say theres probably 5-8,000 people tops. The ALMS shills would like for you to believe theres 50,000 people there, but the track can't even hold that many; they need their vision corrected.

Anyway, its a great weekend to go to to take in the sights and sounds of sports car racing. The entry list is pretty slim, however, because Don Panoz is almost as clueless about sports car racing as Tony George is about open wheel racing.

 

Can good unobstructed photos be taken from the "specatator mounds?". Damn catch fences.....

And Lamborghini is debuting their new Murcielago R-GT car.

Speed World Challenge races will be held in support this weekend as well.

Brian

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brian*Blue95M3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can good unobstructed photos be taken from the "specatator mounds?". </TD></TR></TABLE>

YES, I believe so!
Don't forget your long lens for those up close and personal shots!

 

I'll be racing in the Miata Cup race... #28, silver and yellow. Stop by the over6racing.com trailer and say hi! We'll have the autocross S2000 there on display as well.

 

From http://www.Showcase-photo.com

Here's at the top of the Keyhole



Going down around the top of the Keyhole



Coming up over the esses, near number 16



This is just out of Thunder Valley, right before the initial right for the Carousel




All pretty good spots in my opinion.

All Hondas By The Way!!

 

Not sure I can get on that side of the fencing though . I'll just be there as a spectator, not a photographer (at least this time)

Thanks for everyones input, and I'll try and say hi to the few that said they will be there!

Brian

 

Brian,
Madness is always a good place to shoot pics from, and the ALMS race two years ago wasn't very packed except for Sunday. I'll be working in my family's food concession trailer in the infield (RoadHunters Cafe), so stop by if you get to the infield and have a sandwich and say hello. I met you at Putnam last month I believe, I was the red Civic HB paddocked w/ Chris Stiffler. Hope to see you at Mid-Ohio
Sam

 

Actually I have never been to Putnam, but if I get hungry I'll stop by and get a sandwich

Brian

 

I hope to see you there.

 

Hey guys - I'm going to have an RV (the one at ITR expo '02 & '03, y0!) along the straightaway between turn one and the keyhole if anyone wants to stop by. Me and a bunch of the ohiohondas crew will be there. I should have a nice 5x3 Honda banner hanging on the back or the side of the RV so people know which one is mine.

 

I'll be with krbobcat too.

C'mon by and say hi.

 

Kevin,
Will you guys be there on Friday? I have to come up on Friday to get my vendor credentials for the weekend and would like to stop by and say hello. Hope to see you there!
Sam

 

Sam,

Yes, I will be going up Friday morning and will be there all weekend. Friday night should be fairly low-key but Saturday night should be a blast. Stop by whenever!

 

Kevin,
Sounds good. I should be up around noon tomorrow to get my credentials, and I will stop by on my way out after seeing how things are going in the infield at the food trailer. See you tomorrow!
Sam

 

I'm aiming to be along the straight between turn 1 and the keyhole - probably closer to the keyhole. I will have a red 3'x5' Honda banner hanging up on the side of the RV so look for me.

 

I'll be there taking pictures as well Brian