Fun week

The past week was an enjoyable time for me. I'm not sure where to start my entry because there's a lot to write about.

The pass weekend was "NASCAR" in Richmond, which I enjoyed shooting. I borrowed a D3 from Nikon (it was great), and then a short visit to Williamsburg and Gettysburg.

I will write a longer item on each of those subjects in the future. This entry will be on NASCAR.

I used to think NASCAR was just cars driving around in circles. The guys I used to fish with talked about it all the time. You sort of get left out when you are 20-30 miles off shore in the Atlantic Ocean and have no idea what they are talking about.

So I did what I always do when I need to learn something new. I read a few books, magazines and newspaper. Then I read some more.

Lo and behold, it is more than going around in circles and I found out I liked the sport. So I started following it.

I followed baseball and football for years. Then came strikes and that was it for me. So NASCAR filled the void.

It was only natural that I would want to photograph the sport, which I have been doing for over 10 years.

Shooting the cars on the track is one thing, but I like shooting people and carnival like atmosphere.

I have noticed over the years that a lot of the press have no idea who the drivers, crew chiefs or owners are. The fans have problems when they aren't in uniform.

I like to shoot just before and after practice as the drivers are in the garage area talking with their teams. I also look forward to qualifying. That is where I got the shot of Morgan Shepherd roller skating and Kenny Wallace giving a thumbs up. They were from Nationwide qualifying.

My two favorite tracks are Richmond and Pocono. I also shoot at Dover, but the garage area is small and they aren't very accommodating for qualifying.

The days at the track are long, but satisfying and rewarding.