Stage Rally: My Black Bear Debut

After years of dust-filled weekends at rallycross, I craved a new challenge: stage rallying. The allure of high-speed action and the chance to capture these incredible machines up close was irresistible. My first foray into this world was the Black Bear Rally, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Safety is paramount in this sport, and organizers go to great lengths to ensure everyone's well-being. As a member of the media, I had to apply for access, a small hurdle to overcome for the privilege of witnessing the action from prime vantage points. The organizers stressed the importance of being prepared for a full day in the woods, as there's no coming and going once the rally begins.

The event unfolded on a hot, dry access road between the highway and a local quarry. Dust, my rallycross nemesis, was abundant, threatening to coat my gear at every turn.

I had invested in a camera capable of capturing the speed and dynamism of stage rallying. My weapon of choice: the Nikon D5600. A camera with a fast shutter speed and lightning-fast autofocus to freeze the action and capture those fleeting moments.

The first car screamed past, a blur of motion. I quickly realized that the fastest cars were the most challenging to photograph. Their speed meant that any hesitation or incorrect settings would result in a missed shot.

Fortunately, Black Bear offered a unique advantage: cars traversed the same road in both directions, allowing me to fine-tune my settings and anticipate their approach. 

The day was long and demanding, but I left with a camera full of incredible images, ready to share my passion for stage rallying with the world on Instagram. 

Like rallycross before it, I was hooked. The thrill of being close to the action, camera in hand, made it an unforgettable experience.

😎