A few of us are planning on attending the "Walt James Classic" at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond on Saturday, November 29, and invite anyone interested to join us.

I spoke to the Assistant Manager, Jim Hutchings, and he said that there will be two races that should be good for
photography this year. I think I must have gotten confused on his descriptions, and I'm still trying to confirm the
details, but it looks like the 29th is the Walt James Classic which seems to be classic hot rods going around an oval dirt track. As soon as I contact Mr Hutchings again I'll try to confirm everything but here's what I have found so far.

The Willow Springs schedule is at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/eventcalendars/2008weekendcalendar.htm">http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/eve ... lendar.htm</a><!-- m --> and it lists the 16th Annual Walt James Classic for both the 29th and 30th. There was an HAMB forum posting on the 2007 race at:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?s=74f910f5a4e322bbd479cd377cdb1f9c&amp;p=2349766#post2349766">http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/show ... ost2349766</a><!-- m -->. This refers to WRA which is Western Racing Association and can be found at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.westernracing.com/">http://www.westernracing.com/</a><;!-- m -->, though that site seems to be a year out of date.

The receptionist at Willow Springs said that the gates open at 6:30 AM and that most racing starts by 8:00 AM. I'll post more details as I get them. Earlier, Mr Hutchings had said that, if we send him the names of those wishing to attend then he can get us in free, something they do for lots of groups. He didn't say when he needs the names by but I hope to get them to him by November 24th because I'm leaving for Death Valley and Las Vegas the next day. Worst case for anyone who doesn't sign up is that they may have to pay a $10 entry fee.

Between now and then I intend to do some web searching for car racing and make a list of the types of pictures I want to take. I can think of four styles:

- Everything in stop motion, which requires a fast shutter speed.
- The car in sharp focus with the background in motion, which requires following the car with the camera.
- The background in focus and the car in motion, which requires holding the camera steady.
- Everything a little blurred from the motion as an abstract. I'll probably get lots of these until I get my techniques
down.

As far as composition I think that the following would be nice to get:

- A tight shot of the driver.
- Just one car from different angles.
- Dirt flying.
- Two or more cars.
- The whole race track.
- The crowd.
- The pits, if they'll let me in.
- The Winner's Circle.

If anyone has any more information or suggestions then please post them here or e-mail me at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:lenn@earthlink.net">lenn@earthlink.net</a><!-- e -->. If any professionals want to come along and offer tips then that would be great.

I'll post more info as I get it. See also: &quot;Local to Willow Springs December 7, 08&quot;

I've returned from my Death Valley/Las Vegas trip and turned in the following names to Jim Hutchings at Willow Springs:

- Glenn Olson
- Deborah Adkins
- Julia Mullins
- Jim &amp; Cheryl
- Lee &amp; Terri
- Jo &amp; Steve


If I've missed anyone then I apologize and maybe we can fix it in the morning.

Earlier I suggested we meet at 7:30 AM outside the gate and no one has disagreed so I'll stick with that. Today I noticed that they have t-posts along much of the entry road now so I'll be waiting near Rosamond Blvd.

Since the morning activity will be mostly on the main track I propose we start at the bleachers near the &quot;Balcony,&quot; the big green and white building above the main track. Once through the gate you go left along the fence line and up the hill, you can't miss it. We may move from there depending on lighting and what we see. At about 10:30 or 11 we'll probably move over to the Walt James track which is at the East end of the Willow Springs complex. You can always call me if you can't find us. Of course, there's no need to even stay with us if you'd rather go it alone.

I believe they have a snack bar and, if they give us wrist bands (which I think they will) then you can leave and return whenever you like. I was also told that, with the wrist bands we can enter the pits and take photos there (the normal rules of courtesy apply).

Sue has posted:

&quot;The July/August 08 issue of PC Photo Magazine had a nice article on &quot;Must Know Techniques for Capturing Fast-Paced Action&quot;, motorcyles in particular.

&quot;http://www.pcphotomag.com/how-to/digital-photography-techniques/the-need-for-speed.html&quot;


I hope to see you there.
Glenn 816-8278

I talked to my husband and he told me that tomorrow (Nov. 29th 08) will be a better day for me to go.
So if you can get me in I'd appreciate it Glenn.

Sharna

Don,
It's off 65th or 70th west. I just left there with three 4gig cards full and one 8gig card full.
I hope you find it. There's now only a couple of people out there that I'm aware of. I left due to my back giving me heck. I will share a couple of pictures for everyone when I go through them.

Sharna

Glenn,

Thanks for setting this up. I really had a great time even though my back was hurting. It's what I live with.

Sharna