For more on John Larsen’s “One Event, One Lens” approach to photographing motorsports, check out his take on motocross here,
Today’s Guest Post by John Larsen
“Nobody remembers the guy who finished second.” — Bobby Unser
The second event that I attended was the annual IMSA race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP). This famous track was previously known as Mosport. Previously, I had been fortunate enough to have media credentials for numerous events at the track, however on this day I was a paying spectator.
To make thee photographs, I chose my Canon EOS 7D Mark 2 and a Canon EF 70-300 f4-5.6 IS II USM lens. This venue has many vantage points that allow photographers to take images without any barriers blocking their view. At Moss Corner (turn five) spectators can sit in their lawn chairs right up against the fencing and the edge of the track is less than fifteen feet (five meters) away. It is also the slowest part of the track which usually results in some banging between cars.
For the second year, the top GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class was not included in this race. That decision did not reduce the crowds or their enthusiasm whatsoever.
The focal range of this particular zoom lens makes it versatile so it can be used at Moss Corner and still allow for closer panning around other faster parts of this track.
The day began with the ultra competitive Mazda MX-5 Cup race in the morning and, as is common in this series, there was definitely some rubbing of fenders. As the race went along the clouds overhead quickly turned very dark and with less than five minutes left in the timed race it was stopped due to lightning in the area. We ran to our truck and just as we jumped in it the rain started. While there was a break in the action on the track we changed locations so that we could join the grid walk that precedes all IMSA races. This allows spectators to get up close to the cars, drivers and teams. It is hugely popular.
I knew that when the race ends all cars will drive out of the pit lane and enter the paddock via a small road that has a dramatic drop so I set myself up to get photos as they drove through this section with the winners of each class going to the nearby winner’s circle.
Other road courses that offer similar photo opportunities and spectator access include Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta and Road America. Check them out if you can.
John Larsen is this blog’s Senior International Travel Correspondent, whose website is www.photograffics.com.