Scenes From the Track
When I tell people that I photograph motor sport and track days for a living they understandably think that it’s all about the cars. And, although the vast majority of the images I create are of cars, most of my favorite photos from working at the race track are photos of the people that make the sport go. Drivers, crew members, corner workers, spectators and fellow photographers make up this sub-category of what I do. Finding these moments can sometimes feel like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack, especially during busy race weekends. While other times the moment is the sea of humanity the haystack is made of.
The title image above is one of my favorite images of 2018. It reminds me of me, my dad and where it all began for me. I noticed the older gentleman overlooking The Downhill so I watched him for a couple of minutes, waiting for him to get closer to the fence. Then the younger guy, presumably his son, walked up and they just stood there and watched together. Right away I knew I had my story and my shot.
What it boils down to is that racing photography is more than photographing race cars. It's about the people. Drivers, crew, spectators etc. Without these people's involvement, there is no reason to race.
Below is a selection of photos that I think captures this sentiment and I hope they help bring you a little closer to a memory or make you want to attend your first race.
