Justin F. Knotzke wrote:

http://www.shampoo.ca/gallery/lachin...20_2004/image7
http://www.shampoo.ca/gallery/lachin...27_2004/image1

Same corner as where the ghosting image happened but pointing more where
the trees are.

http://www.shampoo.ca/gallery/lachin...27_2004/image7

Anyhow, this goes to prove your point that finding a dark background makes
all the difference.

Is that the effect you were trying to achieve?

Another thing you could try is HSS (high speed sync) or FP as it is
sometimes called. Using a somewhat higher shutter speed, follow the
racers and get a blurred background to convey the impression of speed.