Rallycross Media 101
Half of the fun of racing is looking at photos of all the action after the event. For this reason, photographers may just be the most beloved people at rallycross races. But unlike other kinds of racing, photographers do not need to have extensive motorsports experience to get credentials.
If you are a photographer or videographer wondering what it takes to get started, this post is for you.
First, let’s talk safety.
While you don’t need a ton of experience, you do need to know how to keep yourself and everyone else safe at a race. There are some basic requirements and pointers that will go a long way.
Always stay 50ft from the course. Our drivers are good but things happen. A good buffer gives you time to get out of harm’s way, if needed.
Do not stand on the outside of a turn. Cars carry momentum toward the outside edge of a turn and in the event of a malfunction, that’s where they’ll want to go.
Avoid crossing the hot track. You can cross the track before racing starts or after it finishes. Once racing begins, the course is considered hot and crossing it is no longer safe.
Do not turn your back on the course. Know what is going on at all times.
Listen to course workers. If a worker sees that you are too close to course or in an unsafe position, they will let you know and give you directions for moving to a safer location. Workers also have radios and will know if the course is hot/cold at any given time.
Just be smart and don’t do dumb shit. It’s important to us that you stay safe and don’t put anyone else at risk.
Spotters are welcome but you don’t need one.
In motorsports photography, it’s common to have a spotter that helps a photographer by being their eyes and ears while shooting. NWRA does not require spotters but are permitted. If you want to bring a spotter, here’s what you need to know.
A spotter needs to be someone you can communicate with easily. Have a plan for how you will communicate in case of an incident before attending the event.
The spotter will keep their eyes on the cars at all times and tell you if you need to move.
Spotters must follow the same safety rules as photographers.
Pre-Race Requirements
Take some time to read the Media Policy. It’s important that you understand the rules and requirements before attending.
Complete the Media Application Form or the Drone Application, if you’re a drone pilot.
One week prior to any event, you will receive an email with the paperwork that you will need to complete in order to attend.
Have a plan for your power needs. Most events are in remote locations without electricity available and NWRA does not provide generators/power sources.
At the Race
Check in at the timing/registration tent when you arrive. We will let you know if there are any safety measures specific to the course.
We will issue you a yellow safety vest which must be worn at all times when on course. If you would prefer to bring your own vest, you are welcome to. Please make sure that it is a yellow, high visibility vest. No other colors will be permitted.
Follow any instructions or guidance provided by race officials or course workers.
Competitors are broken up into groups (usually two groups but at some events, there are three). One group will race in the morning and one will race in the afternoon, with a break in between. We recommend planning to stay for the whole day as the range of car types can vary greatly between sessions.
Post Race
When your photos are ready to share, you can post them for free or for purchase on the site of your choosing (your website, Smugmug, Flickr, etc).
We ask that you email us with a selection of your photos to be used for social media posts. Include your information like name, business name, social media handles and website so that we can give credit and promote your work.
Group social media pages like the NorPac Rally Group or the event pages on our Facebook page are great places to share your photos. This is especially helpful if you are selling your work, so that competitors know where to go to purchase photos.
Ready to sign up for rallycross media? Fill out the submission form. You will receive an email one week prior to upcoming events with details. You can view the race calendar to know what’ s coming next.
if you are a drone pilot interested in coming to an event, fill out the Drone Pilot Application.