FIRE and THUNDER

I've been wanting to shoot some personal work of drag racing, and I was lucky enough to land a couple media passes for a big event at the local strip a few weeks ago.  My friend Steve and I donned green photo vests, doubled up on the ear protection, and hauled the Profoto kit to the starting line to go breathe some nitro fuel vapors, eat tiny bits of rubber, and witness massive amounts of fuel consumption.  (About 30 gallons in 7 seconds for the jet cars)

I've never seen or heard anything like this before, let alone been 5 feet away from some truly terrifying cars.  When the first nitro dragster took off, I nearly threw my camera down and ran away, screaming like a little girl.   I thought I was having a heart attack.

The jet cars are equally ridiculous, and there is no way to really explain the sheer insanity of strapping four wheels and a set to a JET ENGINE.  

Here are a few of my favorites from the evening:

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but now that I've spent some time, I'd love to go back and try to do something more produced -- that is if they'll have me.  I've always loved these Gursky pics of F1 pit crews: