Ed Justice Jr. Weblog

A true legend

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:34:46 -0800

I don't remember when my dad first introduced me to Mickey Thompson, because he was always just there. By being just there I mean Mickey Thompson was everywhere. His name was associated with Bonneville and breaking speed records. For a young guy in my age group, the CHALLENGER streamliner was big stuff. To put it in perspective, Mickey was breaking speed records in the CHALLENGER on the ground, at the same time that the legendary X-15 was breaking speed records in the sky and space. I built the plastic model of it with my dad. I like many other guys my age knew every inch of this car. This was an incredible time in U.S.A. history. Then there was Mickey at Indy with the coolest cars of the time. They were low, wide and very different. Mickey ran Buick engines, he ran Pontiac engines. What a different time. Don't forget Mickey at the drag races, Mickey in off-road, Mickey at boat races. As I said, he was everywhere!

So it is. . .

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:41:19 -0800

This is a story I think you'll really understand and appreciate if your into old things that are starting to sell for a lot of money, like vintage cars & motorcycles.

A fellow was over visiting his friend, when his friend said "Follow me I'd like to show you something I just got."

Start your engines!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:01:28 -0800

It seems appropriate to explain the BIG picture when it comes to the significance of the Indianapolis 500 to the world of racing since it just ran a few weeks back. Also since SPORTS ILLUSTRATED referred to it as "the race that was once America's most watched and celebrated". Now their statement could be a matter of semantics, but it definately got me thinking as to the real significance of the Indianapolis 500.

New Directions

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:21:10 -0800

There probably isn't a day that goes by where you might read or hear news about some new alternative fuel powered motor vehicle. Flex-Fuel, Bio-Fuel, Hydrogen, Compressed Natural Gas, Electric, etc. On one day it might be considered the next great thing and then a few days later, some major flaw is found with this particular new form of power.

A different viewpoint

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:32:39 -0800

Automotive history means a lot to me. I love it! I’ve had the chance to meet most of the significant players in the automotive and racing world that have had an effect in at least the last 70 years. You probably know that my dad and uncles, were deeply involved in racing of all types since before World War II. When it comes to stock car racing, they were involved with it well before the formation of NASCAR.

Dan Gurney's Eagle Racing Cars

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:41:31 -0800

I have to admit the cars that Dan Gurney built in his shop are some of my favorite race cars that have ever rolled onto a race track. The 1972 Eagle would have to be near the top of my all-time list when it comes to legendary and revolutionary race cars.

But this is only part of the story. . .

What it took to sponsor the 1950 Indy 500 winner

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:49:22 -0800

It's no secret that today's auto racing is expensive no matter what series type you may be talking about; Formula 1, NASCAR, IRL, Champ Car, ALMS, NHRA, Grand Am, SCORE off-road, etc. Pick up a number of the current magazines, ROAD & TRACK included and you'll find articles about the cost of today's racing.

With that in mind,I'm going to talk about what it took to win the Indy 500 in 1950 as the main sponsor, a experience that my family lived first hand.

Early NASCAR history - uncovered and revealed!

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 20:16:28 -0800

I know when you mention NASCAR you can get some real mixed reactions. From "I love it, the competition is the best" to "Are you kidding, I just don't see the appeal". I don't plan on settling that argument here, but I do think what I'm going to discuss might appeal to anyone interested in any form of racing. But first a little background on my families history. My dad Ed and his brothers Zeke and Gus, were there for the formation of NASCAR. . .

Making the move from film to digital

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:25:45 -0800

I'm still asked questions by fellow photographers about making the transistion from film to the digital world of photography. There are a number of questions that come up and it shows that their still is a little confusion about this subject.

Rapid Fire Sequence Photography - very common today. . .

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:32:54 -0800

. . .but years back it was something special to own a camera that was capable of shooting a rapid fire sequence of racing action. The original cameras that racing photographers would use to capture this type of photography came out of aerial reconnaissance in World War II. I've always understood that one of the first sports sequences ever published was the horrific fatal crash sequence of Rex Mays (an Indy 500 standout of his time) at the Del Mar racetrack in 1949. If it wasn't the first sports sequence published it might have been the first auto racing sequence published. It ended up being used as a 2 page spread in LIFE magazine.

Shutter Speed & f-stops (Aperture) – still important in this automatic camera age!

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:10:20 -0800

Cameras are so good today, that many if not most people set them on automatic and get shooting. I admit that I do my share of that type of shooting, but it’s not when I’m at a race track. For general snapshots of the family, the auto setting is fine and a true miracle of modern technology.

If you have any desire to learn how to shoot racing photographs at a higher, more professional level you need to spend the time to learn about Shutter Speed, f-stops (Aperture) and their effect on the photos you’re taking. It’s not just a good idea, but mandatory. Don’t let the confusing numbers, etc. scare you off. It’s really not that hard to understand if you just spend a little time at it.

A new must-have book for any Drag Racing fan!

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:29:32 -0800

A project that I was made aware of over 1 year ago is finished and now available for your enjoyment.

Welcome to my Weblog!

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:19:44 -0800

Hello, over time I hope to post up some tips on taking better photographs, some interesting stories on different photographs I've shot over the past 40 years and maybe some interesting stories on racing in general. Check back often and thanks!