ChampCar at Laguna Seca

I will be attending my first ChampCar race at Laguna Seca.

Any suggestions on film speed and locations to shoot from, would be

of great help...

Thank you in advance

I've never been to Laguna Seca so I can't help you there. As for film speed I think it depends on your lenses. If you're using fast glass I'd suggest Fuji Velvia 50 or 100 or Agfa RSX 100 or a comparable print film. From what I've seen on TV the weather is usually good at Laguna so higher ISO ratings shouldn't be necessary and you do want the wheels to indicate motion. Hopefully someone here is familar with Laguna Seca and can fill you in on preferred shooting locations. Good luck and I hope you post some of your results.

I've shot Laguna Seca a couple of times and found that without credentials, you are limited.

 

The last turn before the pit straight can be shot from the grandstands opposite the pits. Race day, you will probably need tickets, but on Saturday the grandstand should be open. The cars get sideways as they put the power on.

 

The stands that are facing the Dunlap bridge provides a nice angle. Both of these locations require a pretty long lens (at least 400mm).

 

By far my favorite spot is the corkscrew. Many different angles and as the cars head down the hill, you're almost shooting into the cockpit from over head. You can use a 200mm and up there. It can be a long walk up the hill, but it's worth it. Lots of shade trees when you get to the top. I have a hard time leaving this location. It's the most unique corner in all of racing.

 

There are several areas for panning along the downhill portion that leads from the corkscrew to the final turn and as they climb the hill towards the corkscrew.

 

Buy a paddock pass. Some of my favorite CART pics are made in the paddock. If you can be there Friday and Saturday you will have a much easier time in the paddock. Race day is usually VERY crowded.

 

One of my favorite tracks. Hope you enjoy yourself.

Thanks Mathew,

I'll be there on Sat. Very early. I know one of the Racers and hopefully will be a little freer to move about. The Corkscrew always looks good on t.v. with the Super Bikes, I'll have to make that hike.

What about film, and film speed. I'll be using a 75mm-240mm f4.5-f5.6 and probably use the 2x converter.

 

Thanks again for your input

A.A.

I'm shooting digital now, so I can't help you on your choice of film, but if you are shooting wide open, 100 speed film would work. When you're using the 2X on your zoom, 400 speed would be the right choice.

 

The weather is usually clear and contrasty, so try to match a film for those conditions.

 

If you can, bring a moderate wide angle or small zoom ( 28-70 ) for the paddock.

 

Happy shooting!