The Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, Thailand

This year marked the 10 year anniversary of the Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, Racing circuit and this July we were invited to the Bangsean Grandprix that is part of the Thailand Super Series.

I knew I would have limited access so I searched online for the event as well as reviewing photos of street circuit racing. I had no idea what I’d be in for so I tried to do as much prep work as possible. It’s one thing to know how to work a camera but another thing to know how to make it perform optimally in various environments.

I found the weather report for race day, it was to be clear skies and humid with a high of nearly 31 degrees Celsius. In other words a cooker. I dressed in summer shorts and shirt with light colors and plenty layers of Sunblock. Being by the beach on a noisy day like this would test one’s patience compounded with the heat. It would not be ideal working conditions. It’s not to say it wasn’t exciting, because it was. It’s those variables to consider while lugging around camera gear and not knowing if I’d be able to photograph anything.

The sound of these high precision performance sports cars definitely gets your adrenaline going. It also got my mind set and focused immediately. You think about all the prep, the crew, racers, sponsors and companies do to get themselves ready for race day. I felt obliged to comply and follow suit. The atmosphere is very infectious and being at ground zero for the Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya. Its definitely is a visual and sensory overload.

Hover above the image and click the arrows to scroll through the gallery.

Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, is Sensory Overload

The sights and sounds of Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya were overwhelming the crowds are large and energetic. As the cars scream by you’re suddenly jolted with a bolt of energy. My eyes were scanning everywhere and everything. I had to calm my constant urge to dart my eyes as to avoid fatigue. I didn’t have journalist or media credentials that could get me access to press platforms. So i had to improvise by finding my own vantage points.

I walked around Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya and found an over passes but I could not perch myself on them. Safety crews were quick to keep people from causing traffic jams crossing these passes and not allow photographers to take up space. My only real option was snapping through the fence. It wasn’t to my liking so I kept searching for shots.

Walking around between races I discovered the Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, wasn’t the only only action  that could be photographed. I met many of the local Thai vendors and people who worked the concession stands. I can say without a doubt that Thai people are some of the most gracious and welcoming people I have met.

People Enjoyed Getting Their Photo Taken

This race is where I started to ask Thai’s about  taking their photograph. Not once did I feel embarrassed or like I was an annoyance in my requests. It’s unfortunate but people in Canada are not so open to being photographed in public venues such as is my experience.

For this photo assignment I figured I’d be using fast glass and needed my zooms to get me closer to my subjects and action. I packed my telephoto 70 – 200 mm, a couple of wide angles: 17 – 40 mm and the motor shell 24 – 70 mm. To combat the bright sun and hazy flat looks I brought all the lens hoods for each of the glass and my 77mm variable polarizer filter. This way I was able get some punch and provide some depth to the images.

Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, Race Track in Action

At one point in the day I got to the fanfare tents where sponsors, motor and oil companies marketed and promoted new products, flashy cars and beautiful girls. There were small shows, guest speakers and again beautiful girls. The moment a model saw me line them up in my sights they were on and worked their moves and the camera. It was great to have that kind of rapport without even knowing them but I believe this is all part and parcel with Thai culture and their love for beauty and fashion.

There are Amazing Cars and some Amazing Car Models

By the end of the day I was covered in sweat and completely exhausted and somewhat dehydrated. As we connected with friends and marketing reps from Liqui Moli we were gathering ourselves to call it a day. One of my friends saw my gear and found out how I was going about my day capturing photos. With one race left that friend was able to grant me a track pass and got me onto the starting line as the racers and crew readied themselves for the final race of the day.

To describe how it was, what can I say? Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, was incredible the compositions were everywhere I looked. Now you understand why the pro-photographers carry 3 – 5 camera bodies on themselves; there is no time to change lenses or cameras. You gotta be quick, you have to be fast or you will loose the shot. Photographers and racers have parallels that run similar to their competitive objectives. You gotta be fast or you’ll be second place.

Click To View The Full-Resolution Images

Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, race track in action

If you want to find out more about our story and how we arrived in Thailand, we cover it all on our Vlog and Blog – The RAW Files.

Be sure to visit the official website of Bangsean Grandprix Pattaya, Thailand Super Series for more information.

Cameras: Canon 5D MKIII
Lenses : 17 – 40 mm EF f-4L / 70 -200 mm EF f-2.8 L IS II / 24 – 70 mm EF f-2.8 L
Camera bag: LowePro – x200, nnpacked from its carry on shell into backpack module.

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