NASCAR: The Thunder of America

I found this book at my parent’s house in my library a couple of weeks ago. Knowing that I would be photographing the ARCA Winchester race I pulled it out to look through it. This was a very cool book that came out in 1998 to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASCAR. There is some text in the book mostly consisting of quotes, but it is a photo book showcasing some great images from a select few racing photographers. As you photograph a sport over time you find out what you like and dislike about photographing it. I have photographed very little racing so I wanted some inspiration before heading out to the track. This book brought back the sights and sounds of going to a race. If you go to a race you can get a panning picture. They make enough laps that even if you are horrible at it you will get lucky at least once. This book shows you the sport from the inside. You see what some of the best photographers do with a little access. My favorite shots from the book were before or after the race. I think that is because there is only so much you can do with motor sports action. The pictures start to all look the same at some point. I am sure that a couple of photos from this book will be inspiration for what I have done the last couple of days.