Memorial Day Motorsports: From the City to the Circuit
This past Memorial Day Weekend, I went full throttle—literally and creatively. From the buzzing show floor of Import Expo NYC on Saturday to the rumbling action of the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park on Monday, it was a weekend that fed every part of my automotive soul.
Import Expo NYC 2025 at Javits Center
Saturday kicked off with one of the biggest indoor car shows on the East Coast—Import Expo NYC. Held at the iconic Javits Center, it was a vibrant mix of custom builds, JDM icons, and creativity on display. You could feel the energy in every corner—cars polished to perfection, owners proud to share their builds, and enthusiasts soaking in every detail.
Capturing it all on camera was just as much a rush. Every corner had something different—a rare part, a bold wrap, or a nostalgic callback to the tuner era. I always try to find the little touches that tell a bigger story. It’s not just about the cars—it’s about the culture, the people, and the passion behind it.
Trans Am Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park
Then came Monday, and it couldn’t have been a sharper contrast—from the glass and concrete of Manhattan to the green hills and fast straights of Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. Memorial Day at Lime Rock has a legacy of its own, and the Trans Am Series didn’t disappoint.
The air was filled with the sound of roaring V8s as the TA and TA2 classes battled it out. One of the weekend’s standouts? Paul Menard, who took his third victory of the season in the TA class. But it wasn’t just the racing that made it special—there was also a C-130 flyover, tributes to servicemembers, and the kind of atmosphere you only get at a true American motorsport event.
Fresh Tips from the Weekend:
- Watch the Details: Don’t just shoot the cars—focus on hands tightening bolts, reflections in windows, track rubber buildup, or cracked helmets. These tell the human side of race day.
- Use the Crowd Energy: Step back and capture how people interact with the cars or cheer from the stands. It adds life to your set.
- Film Between the Action: Some of the best video clips come from quiet transitions—cars rolling into the paddock, drivers suiting up, or walking back from a run.
- Don’t Fear Overcast Skies: Cloudy days offer soft, even light. It’s perfect for clean car shots without harsh shadows or blown highlights.
- Stay Nimble with Gear: Limit yourself to one lens or a small rig setup for part of the day. It’ll force creativity and speed up your reaction time.
This weekend reminded me why I love doing this. Every location, every car, every roar of an engine—it all adds up to something unforgettable.
🎥 Catch my full weekend recap unfold on YouTube:
Import Expo NYC 2025 | Photographer's POV at Javits Center – Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day at Lime Rock Park – Porsche GT4 Track Action | SmithNYPhoto
🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you can tag along for the next adventure: SmithNYPhoto YouTube
