The editors of Sports Car Digest have a wonderful online photo feature that's a "must see" for fans of vintage racing and even (or especially) for those who've never watched an historic car race. The magazine has selected twenty superb action shots from which it asks readers to select "The Best Vintage Car Racing Photo of 2009." In the article it says "Sports Car Digest covered vintage car races from Portland to Portugal in 2009, taking tens of thousands of pictures along the way. We worked with amateur photogs armed with Nikons to wily veterans stalking a shot like a hunter following its prey, all seeking a picture to wow our readers."

Believe me, every one of these photos is guaranteed to wow you. It was only with great difficulty that I chose a favorite, a Brabham BT23 photographed during the Weekend of Automobile Excellence at Reims, France. To me, this photo perfectly captures the art of driving a formula race car on a road circuit. No wheel-to-action or dramatic off-track slides were needed to recreate the essence of motorsport as this one does. It seems rather poignant, too, reminding us of Jimmy Clark, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Stirling Moss, Graham Hill and other racing greats, who thrilled us with their courage and speed.

The contrast between this and modern F1 cars couldn't be more profound, not only for the simple elegance of the technology and lack of aerodynamic aids, but also for the complete lack of corporate logos on the bodywork. Those who complain that today's race cars look like mobile billboards are quite correct, even though modern teams couldn't afford to compete without sponsors. That aside, this shot gets my vote as the best of 2009 but then, I'm only one person, with rather particular tastes in automobile photography. You may think differently so go to the site and add your opinion to the comments.

By the way, for a completely different look at historic transportation, you may also enjoy visiting my new blogsite, marque1.com.

[Photo Credit: Photo Classic Racing]