During the first weekend of May I went to Birmingham for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park. Having grown up visiting this track and having even raced on it a couple of times(stories for another day,) it was great to be back even if the mud from the rain the previous day was biblical.
Writing about this over a month later I don’t really remember much about the race. Packed trams, wandering the paddock, and taking photos was all I really did.
Were they the best photos? No. I tried my best, capturing cars moving at those kind of speeds through trees and countless people isn’t easy. The Rolex 24 was easier in that way even if there were more people trying to take amateur photos. The trees and elevation changes of the track presented some problems from spectator areas, maybe one day I’ll get a media pass and get to pretend I’ve made it.
Knowing the track certainly had its advantages. For instance turns 2-3 are great for setting up with the family and not really doing anything. The back stretch near the fan expo area is great to avoid the sun and have quick access to food and entertainment.
I’d really like to go back next year but for the full weekend instead of just the Sunday race.
WC Fulks 