This was my first event using Photoshop elements so that really helps. Yeah, majority of the day I'm shooting at the sun or just off to the side. Panning is what I have the most difficulty with because these guys are coming so fast and I'm like ten feet away from them through that first turn. So I'm panning as they are coming at me and once it's time to take the pic, my zoom is off or the focus got messed up.
BTW, I'm not using a SLR camera. It's a point-and-shoot, but with a 15x zoom. (Sony DSC-H9). But it does have a feature where I can change the shutter speed so I'll play with that alittle. My friend is going to let me try out his SLR during the next one and I'll see if I like SLR.
Next event is June 7th. It's going to be all day and into the night. Night drifting is Epic!
Thanks for your help Nathan!