Good weather, 3 drivers,  2 cars, 1 track.

The economy the way it is, front bumpers were removed as a cost cutting measure. 

AE86 lived up to its purpose, as we tweaked and (I) learnt more about handling throughout the morning.  Having a pro driver around is handy!

Ultimately no matter what we did, there was little too much grip for the 20V.  High speed slides were a bitch to keep on line. 

Some classic Australian suspension tuning was applied and problem ceased to exist. 

UPDATE: Video

The rest of the day was joy as we got comfortable and let loose.

Nobody else showed up so we had the entire track to ourselves which was perfect for photography from some unconventional positions at this track. 

S kept us drift newbies in our place.

Great company, great day. 

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Gifts from YH.  Thanks! 

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After a tough week, turned out to this small matsuri (祭り = Festival) in support of some friend’s kids, who were performing in the parade and live stage. Like all festivals in Japan, these community building events are a buzzing display of local food, culture and entertainment.

Quickly grabbing a glance at the parade route online, made it just in time to grab a spot on the side of the road to take a few snaps. Highly professional performances, fine tuned over weeks of practise, made up the parade. My friend’s kids dancing school act was no exception in the 28 degree heat.

Satsuki Matsuri(さつき祭り), meaning the May Festival is held before the start of the rainy season in Japan. Regular festival food is served from the numerous stalls all supporting local organisations. Personally I had a not so healthy lunch comprising of squid, sausage, fried chicken, french fries, all washed down with sprite and Japanese rice tea.

After lunch sat down to watch the stage acts whilst catching up with friends. At 3pm, it was time for the dance school’s stage performance.

After saying good byes, it was back home to nurse my sunburnt arms and neck, something that hasn’t had to be done the last five years.

On a side note (for the camera people), the amount of camera gear being wielded by amateurs was unbelievable. My view finder would be obstructed by men in the 70′s and 80′s with 1D MKIIs with 70-200 2.8s on more than a few occasions. It confirmed my suspicions that there are many camera mad Japanese. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t make me stand out at all when pulling out my 30D.

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After almost five years in Japan, I am still being informed of small race tracks all across this little country (when compared to Australia). Being in the Sera region, and for those of you who know me – not a drinker, had a quick trip out to Green Park Korakuen (グリーンパークKORAKUEN).

I have travelled around Japan either racing myself or following race events of the main 4 wheel codes (Super GT, Super Taikyu, D1 GP, etc), This little piece of motorsports heaven is not only home to the Hiroshima stages of the All-Japan Motocross Championship but has go-kart, road bike, remote control car and drift practise facilities.

Being a Sunday, enthusiasts of all codes, were out fine tuning their skills. Due to the minority of our visiting party having an interest, only a limited amount of time was spent spectacting. There was enough time though to pull out the 30D to have my first real go at shooting moving objects.

Probably because I was the only one panning with my camera at the first jump of of the main course, I think was starting getting the attention of the riders:

Will definitely be visiting again.

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Well, I finally bit the bullet and purchased.  After contemplating the purchase of  a D-SLR for almost a year for work purposes, late april I aquired the Canon 30D.

Due to my lines of business expanding into jewelry, macro photography became of interest to me.  After many hours were spent sifting through the thousands of reviews and numerous discussions with known camera buffs, I was still not really convinced that I needed (or wanted) a D-SLR.   Work aside, the only other thing I would have any interest in capturing would be sports – in particular motorsports.

Ultimately,  being renowned by sports photographers all over the world the Canon camp was joined: 30D body, EF24-105mm F4L IS USM and EF100mm F2.8 Macro USM.

It was not until I received the unit (purchased through Arai Camera) and started using it that I finally began to understand the intricacies of capturing good shots and why there are so many phanatics of expensive pieces of glass.  I was hooked!  After actually holding the equipment did it become clear where the dollars (well yen in this case) go – they are all technical masterpieces. 

Thank ST, JW and JP for your time and assistance introducing me to this great new hobby.

Meanwhile, my trusty old Sony DSC-P7 (5 years going strong) will serve me for those point and shoot occasions.

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