Tuesday, September 27, 2016

U.S. Vintage Grand Prix At Watkins Glen

Late summer in Watkins Glen, NY is a treat for anyone wanting to get away from it all; see the beautiful  scenery of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York and as a bonus, take in the excitement of a race.  This race weekend hosted a series of several races over a 3 day weekend with literally all kinds and classes of race cars. I was there for Sunday only but what a lot of racing in one day!

The U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen affords fans a broad spectrum of cars that will bring back memories for several generations of devotees of the sport. The weather cooperated again, as it did the previous weekend when the Indy Cars raced on the 3.37 mile track in under 1.5 minutes. The cars this time were not quite as fast, but they certainly were there to race, not just parade around the course. (See the result of pushing it a little too much in one of the pics below). I hate to see these cars get bent up but they do get fixed up again for another day.

I would consider this event one of the best bargains in racing as you get to see a little bit of everything and the action barely stops.  Here's a sample that only scratches the surface of what I got to see on Sunday, September 11th.  I started my day by stopping by the famous Seneca Lodge:

Historic Seneca Lodge, Watkins Glen, NY
Many After Race Parties Held Here


And then headed up the picturesque few miles to the track on Sunday morning where the action was beginning at 8:00AM!    Here's what the day looked like until I had to leave at 5:00PM and they were still racing.  A few of many fun shots of iconic race cars of our past:






























Hope You Liked The Gallery- Now Headed Down The Hill and Home






Friday, September 16, 2016

More Watkins Glen Indycar Pictures

As promised, here's a few more pictures from the Labor Day weekend at Watkins Glen. I threw in a couple of teaser shots from my next post regarding the US Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen September 9-11.  ( Paul Ziegler Photography)

I Love Porsches Is More like It

Early Morning Ride Up To The Track

Lake View- Five Miles Away!

Scott Dixon - The Winner

Ferrari Club Member Gets A Wave Before the Race

Line Up During A Caution

Max Chilton/ Gallagher Chip Ganassi Racing

Mario Andretti Signed My Ticket Too!

Teaser From US Vintage Races

Oh- Did You See That?

Ending With Rookie Alex Rossi/ Indy 500 Winner

Stay Tuned For More Pictures Next Week!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Watkins Glen Indycars Return!

All I can say is what a perfect racing event Labor Day weekend!    Put Watkins Glen on your schedule for Labor Day next year if you want to experience some of the best racing in North America at one of the most beautiful road courses in the world.

The Glen did not disappoint the fans as the weather was as good as it gets and the track was in pristine condition with its new surface for the drivers. Speeds were incredible at an average 146 MPH over the 3.37 mile road course that includes some of the most extreme elevation changes of any road circuit in North America. For photographers it was paradise with low humidity and clear air. (I got some beautiful shots of the opening ceremony sky diver demonstration with Lake Seneca, 5 miles away in the background.)

The Glen offers a family friendly atmosphere and the campgrounds were among the best of any race venue out there. I told my wife, who does not attend the races with me, honey you have to go just for the camping and the atmosphere- even if you don't want to watch the race. .

One point for anyone that seriously wants to capture this event in pictures- bring your hiking shoes and be physically ready for the place as it will test your ability to roam the whole arena on foot.  That is one of the reasons I love Watkins Glen because it is a challenge and an opportunity to test camera and gear. Over the years I have learned the shortcuts and the best places to be at the best times. 

Covering the action starts at 7:00AM in the paddock and it involves making choices for a one person operation. I rotated between taking close ups of the cars in the paddock area with mechanics swarming over and under them and going out to the track viewing areas and capturing shots as the cars practiced. The most important decision is where to be at the start of the race, keeping in mind you need to get to all the best viewing angles around the track before the race ends. That is where experience pays off and every time I go to the Glen, I learn of ways to improve my efficiency in covering as much as one person on foot can. I hope my attempt to bring you the best meets with your approval!

This is one of two posts to bring you what I captured, sorry for the delay as I stayed in New York a week longer than expected so I could photograph the US Vintage Grand Prix September 11th at the Glen. (Future posts coming on that).  I also had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Kip Zeiter, staff member at the International Motor Racing Research Center and Volunteer, John Wilhelm.   I can't wait to visit the facility down in town. Also, I want to say thanks for the hospitality displayed by track management- the coffee and doughnuts at concession stand 5 Saturday morning with track president Michael Printup and his family was a  nice touch and demonstrates the spirit of a fan focused emphasis that is good for business. Keep up the good work!   Enjoy the photo gallery:

The trip down Lake Seneca to the Glen at sunrise.
Breathtaking!


Unloading


Paddock Tune Up

Carlos Munoz

Opening Ceremony Sky Divers

Slick

Montoya's Car Is Unloaded

Joseph Newgarden

Scott Dixon- Eventual Winner

Simon Pagenaud leads James Hinchcliffe


Montoya Slows For A Caution

Ryan Hunter-Reay

Charlie Kimball

Alex Rossi- Rookie Indy Winner

Hinch

Carlos Munoz


Ending on A Patriotic Note -See Post #2 Soon