Capturing a Burnout

[abdotson]

I posted a question in the general section about what lens to use for capturing drag races. This picture is from last year and I am working to improve for the races this year. I would like to know what I can do to get a better shot of the burnout and start. Would I need to change the lens? Change the angle?



Exif:
Camera: Nikon D50
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 70 mm
Focal Length: 71.3 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

This was taken with a Quantary 70-300.

[OsmosisStudios]

A change of angle would work well. I know I had an interesting time with the stuntbikes at the most recent car show.

[Cabe]

I'd see if you can lower and more round to the back of the car.

Obviously it all depends on wind direction on the day....

[ericw]

Do they run at night? I know the track near me does and it might be interesting under the lights. Or maybe just closer to sunset - the light in this photo is pretty harsh.

Maybe slow the shutter down a little so you capture the motion of the rear wheel.

That smoke looks really cool though.

EDIT: What about getting on the other side of the track (and getting lower) and shooting back at the car - having hte two guys and that tank in the foreground and (assuming) fans in the stands in the background? Use DOF to have blur everying but the car - I think that might be an interesting shot, especially at night, if possible.

[abdotson]

ericw;425392: this event is during the day but does start earlier in the morning so I will try that as well. I'll try the other side of the track too I was able to get there some but it was my first event so everything was new.

[overturn]

maybe try and take the picture as the car is in motion? I realize that might be hard given the speed of things, but some more dynamic motion in the image would really make it cool.

[mstark70]

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I try to get down next to the starting line. That is really the best place to be. I stand at both angles. In front with the cars coming at me and behind with the cars going away. I have even gotten down next to the wall and rested my camera on the top for stability for a lower angle more even with the level of the car. Click away from the beginning, don't wait for the car to be completely engulfed in smoke, you will lose him in there. I hope this helps you out!
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[Kodidogs]

When I'm at the starting line I try and watch the tree with one eye. Then I sort of know when the action will take place.