Rainy Weekend

So on the weekend I went to Wakefield Park, just outside Goulburn NSW to Photograph the MRA round 2 race day that was taking place at the track. On Saturday I had finally managed to buy myself a new Pentax K5 and Sigma 50-500mm Lens, both things I have been wanting to get my hands on for a very long time. I couldn't wait to get to the track and take some new shots to get used to such a good camera I had found myself with.
The day dawned to a rainy Goulburn. In the town centre the day didn't seem to bad, light rain falling on the tin roof making a delicious peaceful noise that only made one want to snuggle up for the day. I pushed myself to get dressed and go off to the track. After failing once and falling asleep under a blanket in front of the TV I finally got out into the car, an hour later than my planned leaving time.
Driving the 15mins out to the race track made me feel more and more worried. It may sound stupid to say but when doing outdoor photography there is rain and then there is RAIN. Today it was RAIN, the driving, relentless downpour that even the gutters and drainage cannot keep up with. When I arrived the track and surrounds were beginning to resemble more a swimming pool than a racetrack. Due to this I seriously believed the event would be called off. I was mistaken.

After signing my release forms, (a compulsory document that needs to be signed to say that I wont sue if I get injured or killed while taking photos) I ventured out to the side of the track, trying to find a vantage point that I could use for the day. It was then I realised that I did not have an umbrella or cover for the camera. With my old camera I would not have worried about it getting wet, but this was a new deal, I had spent a lot of money on this equipment and I didn't want to risk damage to it the first day out of the box. So I searched the car for anything I could use to keep rain off. Eventually I found a way where I could use a shoe box lid, strapped to the lens hood with a bag strap to cover the lens itself and a Cat Empire sweater draped over the camera and lens to double cover everything.
Here is a Picture of the setup:

Standing in the driving rain I looked like the silliest photographer. (Probably more cause I was the only one who was standing out in the driving rain through all the races)

Three hours after arriving, with fingers numb from cold and a cough developing, I decided enough was enough, it was time to go home. So soaking wet and dreaming of hot coffee I packed my bags for the two hour drive home. Happy that I had achieved something and learnt some lessons which I can implement for the next event I will be photographing. The FOSC (Festival of Sports Cars) days at Eastern Creek this Easter long weekend. I really cant wait to get out to that track..

Lastly, I would like to add a series of photos, my favourite from the weekend. Its about a little mini who lost his way.

In a Mini, no-one can hear you scream!