I have been a big fan of Formula 1 since the early 90’s. Over the years, we have been to several F1 races around the globe. I doubt I have missed watching any of the race broadcasts. Yet, for some reason, I have not embraced the Formula E series with the same passion. With Formula E making their only stop in the United States in Portland, we thought we would give it a try. After all, it’s the first time an FIA sanctioned race has come to our ‘neck of the woods’. It would give me a chance to test my photography skills … and try shooting some video for the first time.
The Formula E event does not provide the same spectacle as a Formula 1 race. At times it feels more like a really big video game. Yet, the racing was much closer and more competitive than what most F1 races have become. Gone are the screaming zoom-zoom hybrid engines of F1. Well not quite screaming. Sorry but I grew up on F1 in the V12 era. Formula E is a woosh-woosh of wind and squealing tires as the cars go by. Obviously it is being positioned as a much more globally sensitive sport. That’s a good thing. Although … running a marathon is probably a much cleaner way to spend an afternoon. Have I become a convert ? Probably not yet. Will I go back to the Formula E event in Portland in 2024 ? Probably.
At the bottom of this post, there is a link that will take you to a six minute video on YouTube of fast cars going slowly. Sorry for that … I was having fun playing with the slow mo feature on my camera. Up front I will apologize for the video quality. First attempt, no tripod, and I’ll think of some other excuses later. However, it’s been fun to play with it. Below are some still images from the race. They are better.
