Featuring: NASCAR xfinity driver Eric McClure

Last weekend, I had the chance once again to head to Auto Club Speedway and photograph NASCAR xfinity driver Eric McClure and his team.

I know, it seems a bit of a departure from my usual work,  but it's really not.  Although the subject of these images can be moving upwards of 200 miles per hour (most of the people I photograph can't run THAT fast!) I can't tell you how much I enjoy it--not only because it puts my skills to the test and requires me to think rapid fire but because I can put together a pictorial that is perhaps a little different than the usual media photographers documenting the race.

Although not the best of days for Eric and his team in terms of racing, it was the best of times to show what an excellent sportsman and representative of the sport he is.  There wasn't a time that he didn't stop to chat a moment with his fans or sign autographs.  And in the end, he spoke highly and encouragingly to his team, despite many issues with his car  "Proud of my guys--they fight hard.  That's all you can ask."

If you'd like to see more race images by Laura Schmidt Photography, check out Eric's webpage here and new storefront here .

***You may share these images online as long as the Laura Schmidt Photography logo/image is preserved in full.  Link back to www.lauraschmidtphotography.com or tagging is appreciated.  Contact Laura Schmidt Photography for any other usage. ***

#24 Hefty/Reynolds Wrap car sponsored by the Doubletree by Hilton Claremont for the Auto Club Speedway Race

Ready for qualifying

One of many times that Eric stopped to sign autographs

T and I in the hauler pre-race

Taking a break before the race

I couldn't resist a  little photoshop wizardry to put McClure's name on the board behind him

Doc gives the thumbs up

Identifying the pit to Eric

The Monster team next door comes in to pit

Eric's team on the first pit

Now for something a little different...

In March of 2013, I had the opportunity to shoot a NASCAR race at the Auto Club Speedway for Eric McClure.  This was a completely different and super exciting opportunity for me as most of my subjects aren't moving at over 200 miles an hour.

Whether you enjoy NASCAR or not, it was pretty cool to have the access that I enjoyed that day.  I was in the pits, hanging over the guard rail, smelling the burning rubber and I couldn't have been more excited!

I had complete freedom with my access to Eric--from attending the driver's meeting (where unfortunately photography was prohibited,) to hanging with him in his RV.  I have to admit, I became a NASCAR fan that day, in part to this very down to earth likable guy!

I'm excited to say that I'm returning to Auto Club Speedway this March to shoot again.  Until then, check out ericmcclure.com as well as his new store front,  for images from Laura Schmidt Photography and great merchandise from the Hefty-Reynolds team!