Too close to the track?

Overread · Dec 22, 2013

12s - I hope the guy in your 2nd photo wasn't badly hurt! I do, however, think you caught a really good moment where you've got that green "car blood" spewing out (I assume its fuel/oil/coolant or something else they put in cars).

ratssass · Dec 22, 2013

...please note that there is a huge difference between a permanently placed structure and a "k barrier" (we call them jersey barriers here).

12sndsgood · Dec 22, 2013

Oh agree there are huge differences. Just seems some people assume things are safer then they really are. Have seen guys siting on there butts like there safe as can be with nothing but a 3" curb as a stopping device in front of them.

Nobody was hurt in either crash other them being a bit shaken up. It was coolent leaking out of the car in the 2nd shot. Funny thing was I got those while sort of running to the car because I saw him lock up and new it was going to be bad and when I saw him crash and the smoke and liquids I stopped for a second worried about fire or explosion. I managed to rip off about 10 shots. from impact until it stopped and they all came out halfway decent.

ratssass · Dec 22, 2013

tecboy · Dec 22, 2013

I think the policy depends on what state or what country you are in. In my area, there is not a lot of restrictions in photography. I talked to some of the staffs about the Indemnity Waiver, and they told me it is just in case you trip over a rock. That waiver is vague. Today was my second day at Sonoma Drift, and there were quite a bit of photographers standing next to the K-rails. So far no crashes or anyone got killed or hurt. I guess chances of getting killed or injured are very slimmed.

D-B-J · Dec 22, 2013

KmH said:
The photographers would probably be injured or killed.

Seems legit.

slow231 · Dec 22, 2013

drag race it's a lot more doable to keep your eye on the action. other forms of motorsports it's a lot harder and a lot more dangerous when you're in the all access areas (not the public access areas). One event I was at required all photographers to have a spotter (no camera, no cellphone, always required to be paying attention) within arms length at all times. Sounded like a PITA but it really was a good rule for the amount of action, and it allowed me to be a lot more focused on what I was doing. when you're dialed in trying to capture a specific team/car/driver/rider it's easy to not notice A LOT of what's going on around you.

12sndsgood · Dec 23, 2013

Every track and event will vary. Some are concerned with safety and some just done care.

KmH · Dec 23, 2013

The bottom line is - your safety is your responsibility.

runnah · Dec 23, 2013

When going to rally events I always make sure to position myself near or behind a sizable tree. Jersey barries move very easily if the are not connected to each other. Add the mass of a car traveling at high speed and those things will be sent backwards.

Plus it is very much common sense. Take this idiot. Rally cars ain't quiet, so this is 100% on the poor judgement of the photographer.

Only a car was injured. Skip to 8:20.

runnah · Dec 23, 2013

Just for a sample audio of a rally car in action. Plus I love this video.

ratssass · Dec 23, 2013

....actually,I could see a spotter being very useful at drag race.Unless it's heads-up racing,it's very easy to be focused on the slower car,and pay no attn. to the other lane.As KMH stated,your safety is your responsibility.