Recently I had the rare opportunity to shoot the Nitro funny cars in action. The nitro dragsters are the big boys of drag racing and these cars can exceed 10,000 HP and top well over 200 mph in under 4 seconds. Once a year Barona Drag strip in Sn Diego County holds the Nitro Battle. One of only 3 drag strips left in California and the only one is SoCal that can host these big cars. Head track photographer and long time buddy, Peter Liebig invited me to come on down and join the fun and bring my drones. Here is a video showing the event as well as my best video shots in a mini, documentary style video of the event. Thanks to Barona drag stip as well as Peter for the access to make this video.
(Note: Don’t try and fly at any sporting event without permission, it could be dangerous, and illegal.) When you are at a track in an official media capacity, you need to sign a waiver sheet, and wear your credentials. It comes with real risks, as you are trackside and only feet away from a car that could lose control at 200 mph. You need to have a safety briefing and know how to conduct yourself at the track and you will notice I NEVER fly over crowds or people.
BTS of Colin Shooting Drag racing at Barona 1/8 mile drag strip with 10,000 horspower nitro funny cars with drones. You’ve never seen drone shots like this before
Hi Colin,
Interested to watch your drag racing photography. I have been to the drags several times here in Western Australia where my son races his top fuel funny car and dragster.
Most of my photography has been taken from the stands and once from the pits. We are not allowed to be that close to the strip as shown in your video.
One of my sons cars is the only type in Australia so he is building 2 more.
Enjoy your photsohop tutorials.
Peter Brooks
Thanks for the comment Peter. I’d love to see some pictures of your sons car!