Compact photography tips

[Garry]

I've got a Panasonic FS-62 compact camera, and I'm struggling with getting good shots. I know I'm never going to get stunning pinsharp pics like you'd get with an DSLR but I know I'm not getting the best from it though.

I'm mainly shooting touring cars and buggies indoors but I can't seem to find the right setting that keeps things in focus and detailed without being blurry. The way I'm shooting now is, pre-focusing on an area of track using a fairly wide angle, then finding the car and following it to the area, then shooting. Then, cropping later using the laptop to make the shot tighter.

If I use Sports mode, its blurry (but it the full 10mp 3200dp etc). I can't change any settings for ISO on Sports mode. If I use High Sensitivity mode, its better and I can get some semi-decent shots (but its just 4mp with high ISO, so very grainy when cropped) and can't change ISO. I can change ISO in Normal mode, but not sure how that'd improve things beyond the Auto setting.

Here's some examples of what I've taken, both RC indoors and full-size racing outdoors at Cadwell Park. I'm happy enough with the full-size shots, its the others I'm needing help with. Is it technique or settings? Or just that his is the best I can do without an DSLR?