I keep a cheap 35mm film camera in my van at all times in case I come across something interesting to shoot. I normally have it loaded with some cheap Kodak Ultra Max 800 speed film to allow me to shoot in a wide variety of conditions.

I still had a couple of rolls in my van while at Grove City for the AMA Grand National. The film had been sitting the van (under the hot sun) all summer, so I decided to go ahead and shoot the remaining rolls during timed qualifying at Beulah Park just to get rid of it.

I had no idea how my cheap plastic Nikon N65 would work focus-wise shooting the fast moving bikes even using my excellent Nikon 300mm f/4 lens. When I got back the film I was just stunned at how well the photos came out. Most of the images were sharp and say what you will but film, even this cheap Kodak Ultra Max, simply looks great. Richer, smoother and more colorful than digital in my opinion

Here’s an example: a photo of Brian Phillips broadsliding the gorgeous No. 25 Bonneville Performance Triumph, getting high in the cushion ahead of Doug Lawrence on one of the 650 Kawasakis.

It’s amazing what a cheap little plastic camera with drug store film can produce. It inspired me so much I may shoot more film at Peoria!

Brian Phillips, on the Bonneville Performance Triumph, at Beulah Park. Photo shot with a Nikon N65, Nikon 300mm f/4 lens on Kodak Ultra Max 800 film. (Larry Lawrence photo)