Race preparations.

One for the track, one for the vantage point.

Interesting subject in the first. I suspect it would work quite well as a BW or sepia toned image as well. My curiosity wants to see the image as presented. But the action is around the tines and, from that point if view I might crop around the exposed piston on the left.
Second doesnt mean enough to me to really know how to comment. Seems like it works best as you have presented it, as part of a series, providing more context. Only thing I can suggest is to crop a bit more off the bottom, since the OOF area is relatively large and distracting. Maybe leave just a trace. You still have those nice track lines coming into or from the lower right corner.
What kind of race?

Scott

Can't say much about the images, but I am curious about what sort of race this is. Looks like some motocross tracks I have raced on in a past life.

Yup, motocross.

Fundraiser for "Toys For Tots" tomorrow.

Thanks for the input ... particularly @ the OOF, as I was a bit uncertain @ how much it would work for framing vs. distracting. Of course, you have to image some bikes coming at you as well.

Charging batteries ... will see how it goes tomorrow.

Love to see some bike shots. I tried my hand at it for a friend back in the 70's. He was a reporter and needed images for his story but was in the race so he asked me to take them. He had to show me where the shutter was. Needless to say he did not get any shots.

Good luck.