Wazoot knows how to shoot 📸
His watermarks were cut off but here’s some awesome shots from our media director Nolan Baker (@wazootphoto on instagram)
Wow, seeing these photos from Nolan just brings back all the adrenaline! There’s nothing quite like being trackside, feeling the rumble of engines, the acrid smell of burning rubber, and watching those incredible drift cars go full sideways, tires screaming and smoke absolutely billowing. It's truly a sensory overload, and Nolan really captured the essence of it here. I remember the first time I went to a drift event; I was completely blown away. The sheer skill it takes to control a car like a BMW E36 or a Nissan 240SX as it's sliding completely sideways is mind-boggling. You can feel the raw power of those RWD machines as they push to the limits, creating those dramatic clouds of smoke that just hang in the air, momentarily obscuring the view before dissipating. It’s not just about speed; it's about precision, balance, and a bit of controlled chaos. One of my favorite aspects is watching how different cars handle the drift. You see everything from classic Nissan 350Zs with custom bash bars and white rear fenders to powerful Ford Mustangs with custom graphics, all smoking their tires in their own unique way. The way a driver can hold that perfect angle, with the car almost defying physics, is pure art in motion. And when the smoke starts to pour off the tires, creating that dramatic backdrop, it's just pure magic for anyone trying to capture it with a camera. I've always been fascinated by how photographers like Nolan get these shots. It’s definitely not easy! You need to anticipate the car's movement, understand the track lines, and have incredibly quick reflexes. They often use specific techniques like panning with a slower shutter speed to get that iconic blurred background effect that makes the car look so incredibly fast, even when it's technically sliding at a controlled speed. Imagine trying to keep a fast-moving object, like an orange and black Lexus SC300 with a 'TOXIC INVASION' windshield banner, perfectly in focus while everything around it blurs into a streak of color! It requires immense practice and a keen eye. The 'sideways smoke' isn't just for show; it's a direct byproduct of the intense friction between the tires and the asphalt as the driver pushes the car past its grip limits. It’s a visual indicator of the extreme forces at play and what makes drift so exhilarating to watch and photograph. Every time I see a red and yellow gradient BMW E46 or a black BMW 3-series throwing up a massive cloud, I just think, 'Yes, that’s drift at its finest!' The intensity of seeing a blue BMW E36 maneuver with such precision while spewing smoke is simply captivating. If you've never been to a drift event, I honestly can't recommend it enough. Find a local track day or competition – the experience truly comes alive when you’re there in person. And for anyone who loves cars, action photography, or just adrenaline, seeing these RWD drift cars in action, producing all that glorious sideways smoke, is something you won't soon forget. These photos are a fantastic reminder of those epic, tire-shredding moments!