Supercross

[brmill26]

Last week my dad, brother, and I made our 9th annual trip to the Georgia Dome for AMA Supercross. As always, they put on a fantastic show, the racing was great, and the crowd was huge (sold out, 70,000).

Photographically, it's a huge challenge to shoot because it's SO dark and the action is so fast. Ambient is ISO1600 at 1/160 at F/4 (wide open for my 70-200, and no IS). So there's that problem. Fortunately I had my 430 flash which helped, but I couldn't go over 1/200 without losing too much power. But I made it work, and RAW processing definitely helped pull up the levels on some of the ambient light shots.

All the hauler trucks parked in front of the World Congress Center, which was being used as the paddock.


This is about 2/3 of the line going into the pits. I'd estimate 15,000 people just in the pits; it was insane.


A rider in his trailer getting his gear ready.


Autographs for the kids


The factory Kawasaki crew readying Ryan Villapoto's KX450F


Ryan on the bike in practice, getting the power down for an upcoming triple jump.


Ivan Tedesco coming through the rhythm section


Defending 2008 Supercross champion, Chad Reed


Nick Wey


James Stewart throwing a huge whip over the triple jump


James wheelies in the opening ceremonies


And during the race intermission, Kenny Bartram busted out a one-handed backflip. He's about 40ft in the air here, over a 60' jump!



Tons more photos are here:
Set 1: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/al...872&id=7004397
Set 2: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/al...775&id=7004397

[Old Timer]

Brad excellent job under the working conditions you had and the equipment constraints. The autograph picture is a real jewel. We will all be out side for our favorite sports shooting soon I hope and these problems with strobes and low light are long forgotten.

[wull]

Stunning set Brad.

That last one is a cracker

Well done

[brmill26]

Thanks guys! Indeed, OT, the weather here for the Autocross this past weekend was a lovely 75 and breezy. Wonderful - I'm definitely looking forward to warmer weather.

Thanks Wull - it's really hard to comprehend being upside down on a dirt bike 40' in the air. It still blows my mind!