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For how heavily invested I am with cars, and my love for racecars of all kinds, I actually do not follow a single racing series. For one reason or another I just don’t find myself drawn to the large series out there; Formula 1 is just too predictable between the top 2 teams, the rule changes in NASCAR are changing the sport, and the cars in Indycar are simply too similar. I understand their draw, they just don’t do it for me.
A few years ago I began working with a guy named Austin. Shortly before leaving that job, I learned that he was a moderator for Reddit.com/r/wec (World Endurance Chat) and hosts a podcast about World Endurance racing. Always wanting to support my friends, I began listening to it even though I didn’t really follow the series. However It didn’t take long and I began to get sucked into the series. With a lack of races here in the US, I started to branch out and began following the IMSA series a bit. While not entirely the same, I feel the essence is there. I really enjoy the multiple classes from prototype cars to vehicles that still resemble “Street cars” all racing together.
Road America is one of my favorite places in the world. I have been there a dozen times over the last 4 years. After starting to follow the IMSA series, I decided it was time to spend the entire weekend at Road America for the IMSA Weekend. The best part about IMSA weekend is that it isn’t only theIMSA series that runs, two other series share the track during the weekend. The Porshce GT3 Cup and Lamborghini Super Trofeo series also runs throughout the weekend.
I got there Friday afternoon and setup camp between turn 3 and 4. I was told this was the first year that side of the track was opened to camping, and the spot was perfect. Next year I will be choosing the exact same spot. Right after setting up, I began panning from the campground.
I will be the first to admit, the new GT’s look beautiful, but out on track they just get drowned out with all of the other beautiful sounding engines.
Two examples of shooting different shutter speeds to get a different look. First photo is a shutter speed of 1/40 and the second photo is at 1/250. Notice the similar sharpness at the front of the car, but the yellow Cadillac quickly loses sharpness and motion blur takes over while the Acura is much sharper from front to back. Each photo is used for different purposes; more blur showing motion and giving a sense of speed or showcasing the entire car.
After shooting at the campsite for a while it was time to turn in for the night. Plan was to get up nice and early and head around the track shooting.
In the morning we woke up and headed out to my favorite spot on the track, Canada Corner.
One of the loudest cars cars all weekend, the Porsche’s in GTLM sounded incredible.
My favorite part of Canada Corner is shooting through the trees. Add in the amazing Ford GT and it is a recipe for magic.
The Corvettes sounded so different than almost all other cars, especially in GTLM. Only the Cadillac sounded similar with such a low grunt.
A little fun switching it up. Instead of panning with the car, I held the focus point and kept the slower shutter speed to completely blur the car while keeping the grass sharp and in focus. Not something I would do often, but fun for a few shots.
This is a shot that I always try to get. The shot is exactly what I wanted, but somehow falls flat. I can’t tell why, but it just isn’t perfect.
One of the best parts about sports car racing is the multiple classes on track at once. Seeing LMP1 and LMP2 cars flying up on GTLM cars adds another level of strategy to the race.
After hanging out at canada corner, it was time to head up to the top of Corvette hill. While walking to the bleachers on the outside of turn 6, I spotted this gorgeous 911 in the parking area.
After early morning practice for the IMSA classes, it was time for race #1 of the Porsche GT3 Cup. The liveries were awesome for the 911’s.
This was my favorite livery of the GT3 Cup. A muted pink and Billionaire Boys Club, was just such a perfect combo. Plus the flat black wheels and white tire lettering looked perfect.
After the GT3 Cup, we headed back for some dinner. It was at this time the weather blew in. A massive storm forced a track closure and after a brief delay it was time for the Michelin Pilot Challenge race. I shot this from the area right around my campsite due to the rain that was off and on.
Damn trees get in the way of everything. But this might have been the sharpest pan of the day, so I kept it.
The greatest car ever assembled, the S550 Mustang.
As the rain started to pick up, rooster tails provided some added motion in photos.
This is the last lap of the Michelin Challenge race. The rain was coming down hard, and these two McLaren’s were racing hard. The ending of this race was insane. Coming up the hill right before the finish line, the first place car accidental hit the “Pit Speed” button instead of the radio button to celebrate. A last second ditch effort to block the white McLaren failed and the white # 69 blew past the first place car with less than 20ft until the finish line. Watching the reply online was incredible.
As the rain finished, the sunset was brief but colorful.
I woke up early on Sunday morning to get some shooting in. The air was chilly, the sun was low, and the track was quiet. There is something special about the paddock before the hustle and bustle. There was times when I was the only person I could see. The on track action was amazing all weekend long, but walking around the pits in that silence was my favorite period of the weekend.
Racks on racks.
Brakes are so beautiful.
The brand new Corvette was on display. Stock ride height and stock wheels leave a lot to be desired. But the car looks great in person.
I absolutely hated the steering wheel in rendering and press photos. But in person, it doesn’t look bad. I will hold off final judgement until I get a chance to sit inside.
One of the legends of Porsche racing, Patrick Long. I am proud to call Road America my home track.
After walking the pits, we headed to the outside of carousel. Sitting up in the woods gives some shade and an excellent view of the entry to carousel. Race #2 for the GT3 cup was Sunday morning.
After the GT3 Cup was the 2nd race of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. We stayed in the same spot and watched about half of the race before heading back to camp. Knowing that we needed to leave right after the main IMSA race, it was time to pack up. I worked on some wide angle slow pannng shots.
After packing up the tent and grill, I made the decision to enjoy the race without the camera. I was with a few other people and wanted to spend some time with them. And I will say it may have been the best decision of the weekend. I enjoyed watching this race more than any other race I have ever been to. The racing was hard and multiple classes meant multiple stories to follow. Putting down the camera allowed me to relax and enjoy, and it was well worth it.
This was my favorite weekend I have ever spent at Road America. Camping with my wife and best friends while simultaneously getting to photograph racecars all weekend, it literally was my dream weekend. As soon as tickets are available, I will be buying my camping pass for IMSA weekend 2020 @ Road America.
– Andrew
