If you ain't first, you're last

My first night shooting at the race track, actually my first visit to ANY race track. Luckily, Ron Haw and company had well prepared me for what I was to experience. Nikki was gracious enough to show me the ropes. Our first obstacle was to cross the track without getting hit. Next objective, to find a "safe" spot in the middle of the track where you have a good view for photographs while at the same time protecting yourself from any car that happens to run off the track. Yes, dodging speeding cars is part of the gig. I know, I must be insane. Everyone had the same advice, "Never turn your back on the cars." The veteran track photographers don't hesitate to edge as close as they can to the track. Then there was me, clinging to the safe cover of the light pole! By the end of the night I inched my way closer to the track, but not near a close as the experienced track photographers. However, as much as race cars are not my thing, I have to admit there is a bit of excitement being in the middle of the track while cars are whizzing by you. The roar of the engines can be felt in your chest. Even for a novice, it makes the photographs even more exciting. And the highlight of the evening? A farm truck wrecks and flips on the track! And who captured it? That's right, the newbie.