Sunoco World Series 2018
The alluring scent of race fuel greeted me as I stepped into the pits at Thompson Speedway in CT - it's a smell that ranks right up there with cinnamon in my book. Even though this event was a departure from my usual coverage, I was thrilled to be there with MESH New England Magazine and Sunoco Race Fuels, who had teamed up to host an engine build-off competition between competing schools.
Armed with every wristband for the event, I had full access to roam and capture the day's events. Two teams were given VIP treatment at the Sunoco World Series at Thompson Speedway, and my task was to document the students and their families, creating visual memories of this exciting day for them to cherish.
Kaeleigh, the fastest builder of the teams, was rewarded with the special honor of waving the green flag to start the main event, the Modifieds race. This race, being a part of the NASCAR series, is highly esteemed by competitors and fans alike. Kaeleigh's teammate Ryan was equally excited to be part of the experience. Both of them had the incredible opportunity to sit in on an official NASCAR driver's meeting, soaking in the atmosphere of the professional racing world. Afterward, they walked through the pit garage with the rest of the group, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the operations.
Ryan, in particular, had a special role—he was entrusted with handing the winner their trophy and standing in for photographs. It was a day filled with unforgettable moments and unique experiences for both Kaeleigh and Ryan, ones they would surely remember for a lifetime.
This event was a first for me, and it was an absolute blast. Everything, from the competition to the atmosphere, was different from what I'm used to. As I walked through the grandstands to the concession area, I couldn't help but notice the mountains of trash underneath them. This wasn't the polished and pristine environment of some other events I've covered.
Here, there were no men in polo shirts and khakis with fresh haircuts and expensive watches. The closest thing to luxury was the haulers that transported the race cars. It was a refreshing change, a raw and authentic experience that gave me a new perspective on the world of racing. Despite the lack of glamour, the excitement and energy were palpable, making it a memorable event in its own right.
As I made my way across the track, it became evident that this event would present some challenges for photography. There were limited spots to line up a good shot, and the angle I was positioned meant I would always be facing the left side of the cars. Adding to the obstacles, emergency vehicles and light poles were scattered in the way.
Despite these challenges, I positioned myself as best as possible. The roar of the cars could be heard as they revved loudly, ready to take to the track. It was a moment of anticipation and excitement as I prepared to capture the action. Here we go!
The street-stock cars provided non-stop entertainment, leaving me in stitches throughout the race. Most of these cars were homebuilt and bore the marks of numerous collisions. It was a scene of pure, unbridled chaos as the drivers tore around the track with reckless abandon.
Every three laps or so, the yellow flag would wave, signaling another crash or pile-up. It was a constant cycle of cars getting crunched and then back to racing. This chaos, however, gave me a welcome break from the constant focus of taking photos. After tracking the cars through my viewfinder for about two full circles, I started to feel a bit queasy.
Taking a moment to glance around at others in the center of the track was quite amusing. Some were continuously turning counterclockwise to follow the cars as they zoomed past, while others were doing what could only be described as "the sprinkler" - swiveling about 270 degrees one way, then whipping back the other way to catch the action on the rest of the track. It was a hilarious sight, and I found myself wishing I had recorded it to look back on later!
The final event of the day was an unforgettable experience. Being on the flag stand was one thing, but what truly thrilled me was the opportunity to stand in the middle of the cars as they lined up on the grid. It provided a unique perspective for capturing photos, something that only a few people that day could capture.
For the race itself, I positioned myself on the outside of the track, specifically at Turn 3. There, I found a small hole in the fence where I could fit my lens through. It wasn't the most ideal setup, but with the right gear and a bit of creativity, it worked well enough to get some interesting shots. Being able to capture the action from this vantage point added an extra layer of excitement to the event.
When I returned to the group, they asked if I had eaten lunch. In these intense working moments, I rarely find the time to sit down for a meal. It's almost as if stepping away for food is the cue for something epic to happen. That's why I've started carrying granola bars with me wherever I go.
So, when they asked if I had eaten, I replied with a no. That's when John Holland stepped in and gestured for me to follow him. We climbed the stairs up to the tower, where the entire Sunoco team was gathered, watching the race with an array of food and drinks at their disposal. It was like having the very best seats in the entire place, and John was kind enough to share this VIP experience with me. It was a welcome moment of relaxation and indulgence amidst the fast-paced action of the day.
#51 Justin Bonsignore claimed victory and clinched the season championship after 150 grueling laps on this tight oval track. It's a funny thing about Victory Lane—suddenly, the photographer you thought was your buddy throughout the event becomes your competition. Everyone with a camera becomes an aggressive vulture, and I found myself in the same mode.
But amidst this competitive atmosphere, my focus wasn't solely on capturing the race winner. What mattered most to me was capturing that special moment between Ryan and the victorious driver. It was a genuine and heartfelt connection that I wanted to preserve in my photos.
It was the moment to get my shot, and I found myself in the uncomfortable position of directing people to back up and clear the way so we could capture the entire group in the frame. One person, a girl behind me, wasn't too pleased about it. I had to turn around and explain that I was shooting for Sunoco and really needed this shot. She quickly retorted with a simple, "NASCAR."
Despite the brief tension, I kept shooting to ensure I got the photo I needed. I was there with a specific purpose, and while competing with 25 other photographers, you sometimes have to be a bit assertive to achieve the desired results. Later, I offered an apology for any inconvenience caused, but in the fast-paced world of event photography, you have to stay focused on the task at hand.