IMSA Prototype WeatherTech Photos Lime Rock Road Racing
Clearly one of the most exciting series in all of motorsports is the Prototype Challenge class in IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) racing. To quote the IMSA Class Specifications: "…The Prototype (P) class features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in North America. They are specifically designed and engineered for the race track and look drastically different than a typical street car". These 600 HP carbon fiber chassis machines weigh just over 2,000 pounds and are capable of speeds of 200 MPH! Pictured here is the Ave-Riley AR2 machine being driven by Paul Fix II. This awesome motion blur image was captured on the legendary road course at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT during the running of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Northeast Grand Prix. The car is seen here accelerating out of the turn known as "Big Bend", one of the most famous (or is that infamous?) stretches of race track anywhere. Too much information? I think not. In fact I think it is MOST important for a motorsports photographer to be well informed as to who the drivers are, who makes up their race team, who their sponsors are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, where in the standings are they located, what on or off track rivalries, if any, exist, who’s equipment do they use, etc, etc. Knowledge of the road course the cars will be running on is paramount as well. Days before I arrive at any track for a race coverage, editorial, advertising or public relations assignment I spend a great deal of time viewing not just track maps but broadcast videos of previous events at the racing venue. You can learn a lot about getting great shots by studying where the broadcast television cameras are located…generally where the best action will take place on the day of the race. Reviewing fan guides and racing series sanctioning body web sites will give you enormous amounts of information about the drivers, the teams, the sponsors, the venues, and on and on. When a motorsports racing photographer is equipped with all of this knowledge they can put themselves in a position to capture the most important images on race day. Sure, a times racing photography can be very serendipitous in nature…you just happen to be standing in the right place at the right time when some dramatic action unfolds before you. More often than not, however, great racing reportage results from careful planning well before the green flag drops.