Seeing articles and photos that I wrote or shot as the Top Story on Speed51.com is very gratifying. (DanielVining.com Tear Sheet)
This past weekend I covered the second of five Pro Late Model 100 lap races at Mobile International Speedway, in Irvington, Alabama. As Bubba Pollard continued his dominance of the Deep South race tracks, I got some great shots and good interviews. Also, I laid the foundations to a couple of possible client leads. Instead of just linking through to my Bubba Pollard feature on Speed51.com, I thought i’d tell you about my day at the track instead.
I got to the track waaaay too early. In fact, I tweeted out a picture of an empty infield. I was at the track so early that only the track officials setting up the tech shed were there, and teams were lining up just outside the gates, waiting to enter the speedway.
As the teams finally began to setup for the day, so did I. Parked in the infield this weekend, I was always just a few steps from all of my gear, even though I never set up my laptop and for that matter, never went up to the booth. I think I found a great spot to park next time, where I can use the bed of my truck as a perch to shoot from.
As the day progressed I talked to drivers, a couple of team owners and track officials, snapping great shots along the way. During this time, I was approached by a few different people asking about how they can get copies or prints of my photos. The fact that people are asking how to buy my work is flattering and inspires me to work that much harder at doing a great job. This has sparked a sense of urgency for me to set up my online store so that anyone, not just select clients, can be able to purchase prints, digital downloads and who knows what else directly from DanielVining.com. Look for my online store to go live very soon, it’s in the works now.
Not having to man the “keys” of Speed51.com’s Trackside Now coverage afforded me the opportunity to really enjoy the day. I hung out with friends at the track, was able to really talk to drivers and take more time to shoot more of the event. I like Trackside Now, and enjoy being a part of it, but it is a true challenge to do solo. As part of a coverage team it’s great. On my own, I am still struggling to find a rhythm and not loose out on content.
By the time the Pro Late Model feature was set to begin, it was dark and the local divisons had finished their features. I went to my truck to grab my flash, but was disappointed to rediscover a problem which as left my flash utterly useless. So, no night shots this week, maybe next time.
Instead of setting up in the booth with my laptop to take notes on the race, I sat in the stands and used a pen and pad. Going old school, not by choice so much as by convenience. Mobile Speedway’s press booth is TINY and I didn’t want to deal with that.
The race was okay. I have seen more exciting events, but at least the race was clean and fast paced. Pollard truly showed that he is the man to beat in the South and after the race, told me that he is ready to expand beyond the four or five tracks he currently tours. In post race tech, Pollard showed his enthusiasm for experiencing the challanges of racing in the K&N Pro Series, or Late Model racing further North, emphasizing wanting to go to Winchester Speedway. Unfortunatley, like most teams, it all boils down to finances. Simply put, if and when he and his team can afford to expand their schedule, or move up to higher series, they will. It sucks, but that’s racin’. I am the same way. I can’t really afford to go any other tracks other than the ones I am going to now. However, as I build my finances, and as opportunities present themselves, I’ll travel to other places to see what’s out there.
Well, that was my day at Mobile. I’ll be posting a slew of pictures from the weekend soon, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, check out the feature on Speed51.com and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
