Herman Marchetti Photo Collection

Shooting the Top Guns

When I first began going to the drags, the crowds were small and you could get up close and personal with many of the top names in the sport. Maybe even get to help out on their short-handed team. My first photos were taken with the family’s Kodak Instamatic camera taking pictures in the pits and attempting to on the track. Finally purchasing a used 35mm with four lenses from a friend. Through another friend I got that all-important photographic tool….access. Get close to the action and get better pictures. How cool is that! One thing I noticed all these years though is the ability of people to just mess up all the work you put into creating you own masterpiece. This album is dedicated to all those individuals who just CAN’T GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

Herman Marchetti
January 2004

Trying to get the photos of the big names is always a top priority. This picture was taken with an Instamatic and I just gotta wonder….just what is this guy doing?

This guy was kind enough to stay in position on the burnout….

Then he stands up and looks away on the run…I hope I showed up in some of his pictures

Perfect timing on my part. This is the only good burnout shot I have of the Cuda. This was taken the day he went through the lights on fire with the front wheels in the air.

Sometimes it isn’t a person but an object that can mess things up. This barricade setup over the lights is a good example. Just managed to get this one

While panning for this shot I saw this guy coming and pulled the trigger. While it isn’t real interference, I managed to get what turned out to be a good shot.

Almost got this guy but waited just long enough to get the shot.

Sometimes your friends are your worst enemy. This is my friend Roy.

This guy should have been working at a tire shop this day. He makes a great wheel

During the Seventies, alcohol was not available at the track. We just hid it in the car or truck. Beware of the drunken screamers in your area who are just out to make your day.

Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or Red Beret Security Guard. It doesn’t matter. This guy is guarding an area where no one is. The only thing he did all day was to ruin this shot.

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