A trip to I-40 Dragway

This past Saturday I aimed my wheels North and headed up to Crossville TN , to capture the action going down at I-40 Dragway . Once a month (the last Saturday of each to be exact) I-40 opens the gates to a steady flow of racers looking to jump in on the Outlaw Bounty Race program , classes are Pro Street , EXstreme Street , Cheap Street , 6.0 and 7.0 . Pulling in I got a direct view of the pits as it's located on the right side of the track and I was stoked to see cars I've never photographed before and then I made my way to the left side to spectator parking where you get to pull directly behind/around the burnout box as you make your way over , just thought that was a cool path . As I drove to find a spot I first noticed the awesome layout of bleachers and plenty of'em too , one set of bleachers are set right near the burnout box aiming Northeast up the track . Then I couldn't help but notice a huge Blues Clues jumping inflatable set up for the gearhead kids who might want to expend some energy while being at the track with the family . First impressions had me feeling like I've been here before and all is welcomed , I was ready to shoot !!!

I met up with Jim Howe Jr before the action started and introduced myself since we've only talked over FB and the phone , he and his father Jim Howe Sn has owned the track since 1992 . He took the time to stop and welcome me to the track and give me a few details about the place , cool fella no doubt . Then as I held my camera in great anticipation awaiting the first burnout the guy in the tower announced about a new photographer being here and said " well...not sure his name , but he's taking pic's" ,  I had a good laugh and waved at him . After a few burnouts I walked up and gave him my card only to find out later that guy was Jim Howe Jr's dad ! I just thought that was awesome , father and son running the track , it reminded me of Paradise and how it's family owned and operated ...the way I like'em ! 

So my day continued with learning the track , from lighting to good angles and all the unknown cars to me . I had no problem catching daylight under the front tires from many of the mean machines there . Not to mention one mean Hemi powered dragster driven by Richard Houston that ran in the low 4's ! The days action was well organized and paced . The I-40 crew stayed on top of the track making sure it remained in top condition throughout the day , props to you all . As the day went on and my batteries were draining I made my way up to the tower for some candid shots . There I found Jim Sn (still announcing ) talking with an old buddy where I ran into some good ol' stories from back in the day . Talks of 5 amber trees to trees with just a red and green light and how the scene has changed so much over the years . I gotta say , that was one of the highlights of my visit , I love moments like that . Afterwards I had the pleasure to sit with Jim Sn for a few minutes and he told me all about the track and some of the changes it has went through . All in all ...I had a great time , from the ground pounding ripping down the strip to stories from "back in the day".

If you're ever near Crossville make sure to stop by and check them out and if you're a racer wanting to give it a go at I-40 you can find all the info about them in the links below .
Facebook - www.facebook.com/I40Dragway
Website- www.i40dragway.com/
And yes , of course....here is the link to all the photos and video I captured this day
www.colephoto.net/i40dragway5-25

Big thanks to Jim Jr , Jim Sn and I-40 crew for letting me come up and be a part of the scene !
Had a blast guys