Trans-Am Next Dimension 100 at Lime Rock Park
As I left for Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, the track surely had already seen some practice laps burned into its surface. Unlike a rush, I took my time leaving Central Mass - sleeping in, running errands, doing a final pack check - and for that, I was rewarded with a traffic-free journey and a chance for reflection. The Trans Am Series at Lime Rock had been marked in red on my calendar for quite some time. Excited as I was to get there, I was equally focused on being prepared with both my mind and my gear. Last-minute checks proved beneficial, and once ready, the three-hour trip through the mountains and farmland of the Berkshires was both relaxing and purposeful.
As I entered the park and received my camping site information, the older woman told me as she handed my ticket through the window, “There are three attractive girls in the lot next to you.” While I hoped that they would be on the quieter side, as the evening progressed, I learned my hopes would be crushed. However, my focus was on the cars and the passion of the automobile world. After setting up my tent and sleeping gear, I gathered all my equipment and made my way to where the cars were parked. Throughout the evening, I was fortunate to meet fellow car enthusiasts like myself with whom I could share stories. Networking and meeting new friends are equally as important, and events like this provide the perfect opportunity to connect with the most interesting and passionate people. While it can make anyone nervous or shy, taking that first step towards meeting others has made it easier for me each time.
As the sun set and the light faded, it was my time to shine, quite literally. Earlier, I had noticed a Corvette C7 Track car and saw that the owner was nearby. I approached him and asked for a few minutes (he had a puzzled look when I mentioned "light painting") and his permission to photograph his car. With his enthusiastic participation, we were able to capture his car in a stunning manner that he hadn’t seen before. It was a great experience to have him and his team become a part of the production of this photo. Unlike other photographers, I want the car’s owner to be involved, creating a unique memory for them and their car. The energy and excitement of everyone involved in this light photography set surely added to the anticipation before race day.
I headed back to my campsite as 11:00 pm settled in. Before I even saw the area where I was camping, I could hear it. The three girls had an entourage of others in and out of their tent, being rowdy and just starting what turned out to be a party that didn't die down until two-thirty in the morning. Annoyed that sleep would be hard to come by, I made a mental note to camp in the family section next time. Knowing that I had to be up at 3:30 a.m. to prep for the day made it even more aggravating.
The air held a brisk chill, a reminder of the high 30-degree temperature overnight that left a layer of dew on the grass blades. As the sunrise painted the sky, I started my descent around the park, visualizing future pictures I would take. I made mental sketches of how to position cars, noting the directionality of light. This is when my mind works best - I'd rather be out in the cold, capturing images and making plans for my next project, than sleeping in as late as possible.
Our media meeting was scheduled for 8 a.m., so despite my shoes being drenched with morning dew, I made the walk to the site. Over time, you learn the dos and don'ts - what will get you asked to leave and not photograph at Lime Rock again. The guidelines are sensible, and as the meeting ended, the engines could be heard revving and getting ready, almost as if they were begging for the races to begin.
By this time, the fans had started to cross Bailey’s Bridge and were quickly filling up Lime Rock Park. The sea of green grass was replaced with enthusiastic spectators. My first focus was on the Miata and vintage races. A friend of mine, Evan, has a Miata that I get to drive and use for photoshoots, and I wanted to capture some shots for him as well.
As the ceremony began, I crossed the track to my chosen location for shots. This spot had a nice backrest where I could sit and regroup between races. The back of a photographer is often sore and achy due to the heavy equipment and weight of the camera in your hands for shots. However, your back isn’t the only thing at risk. In these types of races, safety is the number one priority. The speed of the cars and the proximity of our spot meant that not being aware could be fatal.
Being a trackside photographer means your life is at risk, so it's crucial to have a "buddy" to pull you out of harm's way or warn you. While it's not expected for photographers to assist each other, as the day progressed, it was clear that everyone was looking out for everyone else. This camaraderie and mutual respect for safety made the experience both thrilling and reassuring.
