As for the close range shots, I just think it captures more action and detail. Personal preference, I'm not shooting for websites anymore so I can go for the artsy-type of shots rather than "capturing the race action". I wish I had a media credential, it would have been a lot easier getting more unique angles. I feel like I did a decent job at making it appear as if I had a credential, though.
For example, this person next to me had a much better camera setup than I did, but I prefer the cropped in/close up action that I got in my shot compared to his.
As I said, personal preference.