![]() 07/26/2017 at 10:00 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
I went to my first Enduro/Baja/Desert (call it want you want) race at the weekend.
I have been to many motorsport events over the years, from a spectator point of view I would rate this right up there. As usual it is very dependent on finding ‘a good spot’. However as the track covers such a large area there are many, many opportunities to watch, these frankly amazing machines at full tilt.
The first day was prologue, which is kind of like qualifying. We found a great spot just on the outside of what in a road car would be about a 3rd gear bend (I know that is exactly NOT the place to stand). It’s a pretty visceral experience to have a race tuned V8 being rung out to it’s maximum, while fist sized rocks are being spat out the rear, about 6 ft from where you’re standing. This event took place in !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
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It was less regulated than other dirt events I have been too, and as a spectator all the better for it. Of course there is always a risk, make sure your exit path is clear!
It was this guys first run in this buggy apparently. The buggy in front had a problem and was running slow, he caught his dust and...
We tipped him right!
We saw them running in the race the next day, so no lasting damage done.
Here are a few happy snaps from the weekend.
Yeah, like don’t stand behind a bend, rock shower!
This guys paint job was something special.
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Camping on the river, brings its own charms.
Sunset.
Sunrise.
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Next day, competition resumed.
One of these Pro Buggies was running a BMW M5 V8, as opposed to the GM V8's most had. It had a special note that buzz-sawed straight to my soul. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Good weekend, obviously.
![]() 07/26/2017 at 10:04 |
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nice one!
![]() 07/26/2017 at 10:18 |
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VERY COOL! Thanks for sharing, nice pics.
![]() 07/26/2017 at 11:00 |
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would DD
![]() 07/26/2017 at 15:39 |
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Thanks!
![]() 07/26/2017 at 19:56 |
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Excellent pics, Rufant. Can almost hear the noise as a result...
![]() 07/26/2017 at 20:20 |
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Thanks. I delved into the camera modes. Not only is there a sports setting, but also a sunset/sunrise setting too.
The sports mode is great as long as it picks up the subject, otherwise you end up with 20 shots of a random bush totally in focus with the race car all blurry...
![]() 07/26/2017 at 20:33 |
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I’m in the process of looking for a new point and shoot to supplement the DSLR (which the Boss usually drives) as I’ve found my phone as a camera makes a very good phone. So this modes thing is of interest to me. Still tossing up over a tough camera like Olympus TG-5 or a more delicate mini-zoom like one of the Sony RX100 species...maybe I should ask Oppo?
![]() 07/26/2017 at 20:53 |
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These were on a Sony A6000 with the 55-210 zoom. I still used shutter priority mode for some of them, you only get one shot but you have more control. Sports mode gives you continuous shooting as long as you hold the button down, but you at the mercy of the technology.
Without the zoom the A6000 is pretty compact, although not quite like the RX100.
![]() 07/26/2017 at 21:12 |
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Nice camera. And still just within my budget even with a body plus two lenses deal. Hmmm...
![]() 07/26/2017 at 21:22 |
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Beauty! I see some Merican built Class 1's, and a trophy lite, and a trophy truck. not to mention a class 5 and a stock mini. Brrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaap.
So, are you addicted?
![]() 07/27/2017 at 02:44 |
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Well, I’m hoping to add this lens before heading out on the Googs Track trip.
It seems the best budget option for a wide angle/aperture lens. It is manual focus but I don’t see that as a drama for that sort of photography. If you weren’t aware the focal length of these lenses is different to conventional 35mm lenses. There is normally a ‘35mm equivalent’ value in the specs.
![]() 07/27/2017 at 03:05 |
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Yeah, there was some home brewed Aussie stuff based on production vehicles, as well as a small full body class that the Pajero was running in. I would suggest all the dedicated race cars were of American origin or at least the design was.
Interesting looking at the engineering directions, compared to say conventional rally cars. When all you have to worry about is a plastic ‘body’ that looks vaguely like a cartoon of a production vehicle. I like the way the wheels look out of alignment when they are parked and level. Seeing how easily they just eat up the ground and how natural they are when in flight was pretty cool. Plus you can’t beat a medley of unsilenced V8s.
Addicted? Nah, it’s a rich mans game (of course) and it has always been the motorsport with a production/road car connection that I have always liked the most (not that there is really any of those left). But as a unruly slice of rough and ready fun, it is right up there. Finke next year I hope, it falls about the right time to start heading north...
![]() 07/27/2017 at 08:33 |
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Nifty. Never been sold on the ultra wide’s back in the film days or now but very limited play too. Interested to hear/see how you go.
I just gave in and bought a TG-5. Since we already have the DSLR and the phones this should be a happy medium...
![]() 07/27/2017 at 11:21 |
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That’s a good thing to check out mid trip. It’s such an assault on the senses. When a TT goes buy you can feel it in the ground. Love it. Nuts, just nuts!
![]() 07/27/2017 at 15:44 |
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Just googled that one. That is a cool camera and probably a smart move. My Sony copped a lot of dust last weekend...