Damon, I used to be a corner flagman at my local motorcycle race track. I was fortunate that I was able to bring my camera with me and take shots of the riders as they blew by me.
I used a monopod to steady the camera, set to Shutter Priority, at 1/1000th sec, ISO 100. The trick is to track your subject as they approach you and then take the shot just as they go by. I've used a variety of lenses to take these shots....18-105.....55-300...28-105. Set the camera to AF-C priority in your Custom Settings Menu. Shut off VR when on the monopod. And practice, practice, practice.
Sometimes I'd even set my burst mode to 5 fps, just so I'd be sure I'd get even ONE good shot!
Here are some examples of what I shot:
I hope this helps in some small way.