Twice a year, during the NASCAR races at Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale becomes the fourth largest city in Arizona.  An armada of recreational vehicles descends upon the valley, all drawn by the spectacle of stock car racing.  This was the third or fourth time I have photographed the Sprint Cup in Avondale and each time I enjoy it more.  I didn’t start with a predisposition to like motor sports, but I’ll confess I’ve become a fan.  There is something about the speed, the noise, the danger.  I have a favorite spot between turns two and three from which I like to shoot.  There is a big opening in the fence, the cars are accelerating quickly and I am very, very close to the action.  Sometimes, when a pack of cars passes, I will be blown backwards by the force of the wind  they create. It is such a rush.  Here are a few images from Saturday’s Sprint Cup race:
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NASCAR is running a little more recklessly this year, allowing the drivers to make more contact than they have in the past. Inevitably, bad boys are born and the two who seem to attract the most attention are Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch, seen here driving the #18 car. It is mildly amusing that one of the two bad boys in this sport drives a car decorated with M&Ms.

Here, Joey Logano (#20) trails a small group heading toward turn three. Joey is 19 years old.

Juan Pablo Montoya (#42) leading the field into turn one while under a cautionary yellow flag. Montoya, who was born in Colombia, was the first Formula One driver to make the transition to competing full time in NASCAR racing.

The controlled chaos of the pits.

Bad boy Kyle Busch and NASCAR’s version of Michael Jordan – Jimmie Johnson

NASCAR Nation, baby.