(Words and photos by Doug Gregory) – Though I missed a bunch events through the summer many of those were either rained upon or rained out. Our area has gotten more than usual thus far in 2018 and shows no sign of slowing. If I remember correctly the local news stated we’ve only had three weekends since April without rain. That will definitely dampen things in terms of racing, pulling, and cruising.
Because I didn’t get around to every area of the event I can’t say what kinds of cars I missed or if I missed some things that were really spectacular. It happens. I don’t like it. I get asked a lot as to why folks didn’t see a photo of their ride in my articles here or on my photography page on Facebook. Let’s be clear – I like making people happy with photos of their vehicle. I don’t sell my pictures…I give them away when asked. There are multiple reasons why some cars don’t make it into the coverage:
1. I take photos of most everything. That’s way too many photos to share here. One event could be thousands of images and that isn’t feasible.
2. I can’t/won’t take photos if I can’t get a decent shot. Sometimes there’s a car I really want to get, but the owners or others are sitting/standing in front of it and regardless of angle I can’t get enough ‘car’ in the frame. It’s not that I don’t take photos of people with cars….because I do. My thinking is that most folks looking at my photography want to see more of the vehicle. I very rarely ask anyone to move. My Bangshift shirt is usually always being worn and I have at least one decent camera (not a phone) in my hands. For me if someone comes around my car with a camera….I’m flattered and will get out of the way ASAP. There are definitely folks who don’t feel the same way.
3. I’ve stated this before, but will iterate it again for those not familiar with my work. I do not take photos of cars with Lambo doors that didn’t come with them from the factory. I seldom take photos of anything Pre-2000 with wheels 20” or larger. I don’t shoot donks. If the tires on your rig are 2” or more narrower than the wheel…the shutter is not getting pressed. I don’t capture trucks that look like a pregnant roller-skate. It’s rare, but happens sometimes, for me to photograph vehicles with tacky add-ons, poorly done graphics, or just plain ugly stuff. This is why you don’t see a close up of most of the LS-swapped vehicles’ engine compartments because many do little to nothing to tidy things. Not saying folks can’t do their ride how they want. I’m saying I am not going to take a picture of it. Everything else is fair game.
For an event like this I will not go home with less than 1,000 images.
This gallery is the end of our muscle-ish coverage from the event and that leaves the burnout competition as the only thing left display for you fine folks. This is likely the MOST popular part of the Rod Run for the spectators and even though the event doesn’t officially end for a few hours after the competition is over….most folks depart and the once-crowded downtown area gets lonely quick.
Come back for the burnout photos.
Does anyone know what the GM color is on that first green 70 Chevelle SS? It’s similar to seafoam.