2010 Sebring 12 Hour - Smaller, But Great As Always...

Just got back from attending the 2010 Sebring 12 Hour American Le Mans Series season opener.  Though it started out with near gale force winds on Thursday, the wind calmed down to a gentle breeze for perfect "Chamber of Commerce' weather for Friday and Saturday.

This years event was obviously marked by the recent declines in the economy.  Most notable this year was the size of the event in terms of entries, spectators, and sponsorship extravaganza.  This year there were only 34 entries spread across four classes.  The powerhouse, Audi, was not present leaving Peugeot to have its way with the rest of the field.

Spectator attendance was also way down.  The usually packed camping grounds had large open areas that were typically densely packed with tents, trailers, and motor homes.  Though fewer in number, those that were present were enthusiastic.

Lastly, the sponsors scaled back on the glitz, glamor and extravaganza that marked prior years.  Last year's Patron Night Club was replaced with a smaller more subdued "Tiki Bar".  Gone was the all-night disco and harem of Patron Girls.  Throughout the paddock the hospitality centers were much smaller and for some teams non-existent.

However, this down-sizing did not detract from the racing on the track.  There was plenty of hard wheel to wheel racing.  there were also numerous incidents generating full course cautions that bunched the pack up to create even more wheel to wheel racing.

My objective for the weekend was to take photographs and elevate my game over last year, and the weekend did not disappoint.  First, I am glad that I selected the 300 mm f2.8L as opposed to the 400 mm f2.8L.  From the spectator area where I was photographing, the 400 mm would have been too much lense.  As it was, I was unable to use the 300 mm in many areas because it was too long.  But in those places where it was right, it was awesome!

I was less than impressed with the 2x tele-converter.  Having used the 1.4x in the past, I was hoping to get a little more reach, without loosing too much performance.  However, I found that the 2x converter observably offend the images as compared to the 300 mm.  Though in some instances, I was able to get crisp images, the overall result was less than what I would have liked.  I think that if I were to buy a tele-converter, I would stick with the 1.4x.

Also, I learned that I must upgrade from the 70-200 f4L to the 70-200 f2.8L.  Gaining the extra f-stop is essential for the low light performance necessary to shoot endurance (night) motorsports.  Another option is to pick up an even faster prime lens. 

I will post another blog detailing the entire lens rental process with www.LensProToGo.com and performance of the lens.  I also purchased a new bag, a Think Tank Glass Taxi, to carry the lens and other gear at the track which I will review in a separate post.  In the mean time, be sure to visit my site www.KingMotorsportPhotography.com to see the photos as I post them.