Rewind! Valentino Rossi sells himself for $8500!

Ciao!
As they say here as I sit outside of my accommodations in the region known as Emilia Romagna. I am here waiting for the start of the final push (last three rounds) to the end of the World Superbike Championship which kicks off at Imola, just down the road from where I am staying. Heading onto Magny Cours then winding up in Portimao on the Algarve in Portugal.

After months of having the galleries of AutoMotoPhoto being non functional, I'm pleased to inform everyone they have been restored and are working with all versions of flash! If you haven't had a chance to catch up, make a big cup of coffee, tea, whatever, sit down and browse. So let's catch up, starting with the last race first and work backwards. It's a long post!

One of the most amazing things happened at the Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP this past August. Very moving for both my wife who has supported me through my travels to get this business started and functioning, and extremely very beneficial for a cause she and I both believe in. I had offered Don Emde and the folks at Riders For Health a print to be sold for auction that would take place on Friday morning at Indianapolis. You can read more about Riders for Health here.

Long story short........

Don Emde had taken the print, a 20"x24" on canvas print to his Parts Unlimited dealers meeting on Thursday evening prior and had it in his truck. During the evening where Valentino Rossi signs AGV helmets to give to the various dealer reps at the function, Don thought he'd see if he could get Valentino Rossi to sign the print. Which he did and by all accounts was fascinated by what he saw. The plan for the Friday auction, which was run very much on schedule, was to have each rider bring an item for auction. For example, Randy De Puniet brought his boots, Nicky Hayden brought a Tissot watch and so forth. So you can imagine that when Valentino Rossi decided to "bring" my picture what an incredible honour (and thrill) this was for me. So after some banter, and some Q&A's from the crowd it was time for the auction. On stage with Valentino Rossi, were good friends Toby Moody and Ralph Shaheen...I'll let Dan Lo's video from the event tell the whole story..

As I said before, this was huge for Riders for Health, and huge for me and my wife on a personal level..and Darren Beatty captured a very special moment for which I am incredible grateful. Weather-wise the weekend was good, aside from Friday afternoon when we had some rain. The crowds were good, and the organisation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was as always, first rate. One complaint though, the lack of willingness by those driving golf carts to be flexible and pick up photographers and being told that they "weren't authorised" was a little distressing. It's a huge facility and not everyone has access to a scooter, so hopefully we can get something done for next years visit. I can't wait, and as someone suggested on my FaceBook Fan Page, I'm going to have to top this one next year!

Coincidentally, it was a good weekend for Nicky Hayden, and maybe it was a "sign" that he graced the cover of Motorcycle Racer Magazine with one of my shots taken at Catalunya...
Continuing on our trip back through time, was a visit to the Czech Republic for the MotoGP races at Brno. Racing aside, there is a lot to see in this country. Beer and sausages and Indian food downstairs from my apartment, it was certainly a wonderful trip and I look forward to returning next year. Visiting caves deep underground and relics of castles. Speaking of places with castles...and also noted for it's beer and sausages. I visited the UK for both World Superbike and MotoGP, and being that they were only weeks apart it felt like I had never left. It was good to visit my Mum in Bath, see some of the old stomping ground where I met my wife and enjoy some fine foods from a small organic butchers in Duffield by the name of "Croots". If you happen to be nearby, make a point to stop in and check out their produce. Wonderful foods, and wonderful service.

Between both events in the UK, we had my "home" race. Where for one race weekend I am able to be with Emily. I can sleep in my own bed, cook in my own kitchen and be home with all my little furry friends, Thor, Widget and Bean. It makes a difference especially when you travel as much as those covering racing worldwide to just be around your own "stuff". We also had a really cool Facebook "Friends" 10 minute gathering at the track on Friday evening, just to be able to put some faces to the names with who we "chat" online with. .Well, I think that's enough reading for now. Once again, check out AutoMotoPhotofor all the race weekend updates. I'm off to the see the Adriatic this afternoon, deciding the sea will be far more inviting than a warm, hot city (such as Bologna). So watch this space for updates from this weeks travels. Then next week it's onto Magny Cours in Burgundy. Two wonderful food and wine regions with good racing at either end...and a BIG THANKS to Randy Mamola for his help. It means a lot Randy. You and your family, Sharon are special people to both Emily and I. I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Oh, and good luck this week Chaz!

Ciao for now and thanks for reading...

Mat Mladin Retires | End of an era perhaps?

One week and a few days before I leave for Brno...

Well, I've almost got my site back to normal, and will be updating the blog as well, just as if I didn't need any more distractions, Mat Mladin announced that at the New Jersey Motorsports Park will be his last racing event...

So with that in mind, I have put together a little slideshow of images from the past few years, not in any particular order, but just images I like...and to add I have enjoyed capturing Mat, Mat and Ben and all the interaction during my tenure working with the AMA..

Good luck Mat! Now for some pictures..

Interlude | Interview with Andrew Wheeler (me) | Updates coming this week

Just back from the US GP at Laguna and have a few things to catch up on. I'll be updating my website, and this blog, all this week playing catch up. In the meantime please check out this wonderful vignette made by Chris Matye and his wonderful colleagues at OTT - On The Throttle.



It can be run full screen by clicking on the little "icon" to the left of the volume adjustment on the status bar. Updates coming!

Is it WSBK or MotoGP? - Jerez then Monza..Infineon, Miller, Catalunya and Donington up next!

I need my own personal jet.

Oh boy....first I'd like to apologise for being so behind in updating to this blog. So without further ado, make a big pot of tea of coffee, find a comfy spot and let's have a trip around Europe and North America, starting with Southern Spain, Jerez, a new track and a new destination for me.Amazing place. The picture above was taken from the window of my bedroom in the heart of the city, and in fact the centre of the flamenco universe. Imagine warm balmy evenings, a soft fragrant breeze blowing through the open windows and sounds of clapping, dancing, guitars and castanets..seriously. Every evening this would be the sounds greeting you. The city itself is becoming pedestrianized and the streets are extremely narrow to navigate with a car..even the GPS cuts out from time to time due to the tall buildings gathered close to the sidewalks. Then there is the food. If you're a lover of seafood, get to the market early, like silly early. You'll have to wait in line for anywheres up to 40 minutes, but the choices are amazing...Don't forget though, this is the home of Sherry (Jerez, Sherry..gettit?!) and a visit here wouldn't be complete without taking one of the many tours of the bodegas that exist within easy reach of the centre of town.Did I mention the race weekend wasn't bad either?You have to experience this racetrack, nothing but colour, and people stacked all around the track, clapping and chanting as only the Spanish can do..it's simply breathtaking, and of course, the crowd love Valentino..who didn't disappoint either...Next stop would be Monza!
Yet another new track and a new destination for me in the world of racing. I was fortunate enough to find a residence hotel less than 4km from the circuit, which meant and easy in and out at the end of the day but also allowed for little side trips into Milan (where I spent an enjoyable afternoon with Ben Spies' Mum and Dad, Mary and Henry walking around the Mall and the Duomo)This racetrack is literally soaked in history. If anyone has ever watched the film "Grand Prix" you'll know what I mean. The banking, albeit sadly crumbling away, is there, the trees remind you that it is still a park where people run, walk their dogs and ride their horses even during the race weekend, all kept in one spot by a 20 foot perimeter wall. But to see the banking gives one goose bumps.This time the hero's of the hour are Ben Spies, Michele Fabrizo and of course, Noriyuki Haga. Haga has everything to lose and Spies and Fabrizio are playing catch up. This being Yamaha Italia's home race (the factory where both the MotoGP and World Superbike Teams are based is literally a stones throw away) and with Ben Spies being made an honorary Italian there's a lot of pressure on everyone. I was fortunate to have been given a tour of the workshops and even encountered Uchio, Valentino Rossi's mate returning with the motor home whilst I was leaving. A quick look into the garage where all the GP trailers are stored revealed a whole collection of shrink wrapped GP bikes from all years. Sadly no photos (they're touchy about that) but still, the visit was worth the time.
Race day, and the weekend in general was a lot of fun. Some folks from back home were there, Andrea, Chuck, Rome and his girlfriend Misa, and with Ben Spies and Jake Zemke (subbing for John Hopkins and both with their respective crew chiefs) it started to feel like the AMA was here..but no. Sadly Ben would run out of gas in race 1 after a race restart following a pretty horrific crash into the first chicane. Race two however, Ben won. All in all, a wonderful weekend, although the banking almost claimed another life, MINE! After slipping on some crumbling concrete, then being whacked in the back of the head by my camera and followed by falling chest first onto an old crash barrier strut left Italy with a few memories I wish I didn't have..!More this week from Infineon and the AMA, Miller and World Superbike, MotoGP from Catalunya and my third trip back to the UK in 20 years, World Superbikes from Donington..all coming this week...

Don't Panic - World Superbike, MotoGP and AMA Updates coming!

Folks!

It's been a few weeks I know..but I've almost finished up a "sit down and have a cup of coffee" sized update..

It's coming...Back to work (I'm at Donington with Ben Spies, Haga and co for WSBK..)

It's Not All About Oranges - World Superbike Valencia and 19

I love Spain. As I might've mentioned or waffled on about somewhere else within here, I love everything about the country, the people, lifestyle and culture (although I'm not a big fan of bullfighting but hey..). This was my first trip to Spain at the beginning of the year and the first time covering the World Superbike Series. After having my main suitcase go awol for a few days it finally turned up and I was able to get my life back on track. Still, it gave me the opportunity to go real shopping, to buy shoes, some clothes and other stuff one wouldn't ordinarily buy and interact with folks on a regular day to day basis...Ihad fun. Although, I stood out like a sore thumb, being that I only had shorts, a body warmer and sandals to wear..and it was cold!Onto the race weekend. Fans in Spain, really make covering the event something else, from cheering and clapping as riders race each, to clapping and cheering when a rider gets up after having a spill. It's just so good natured....Well, this weekend was a little more special, as the Yamaha Italia team, and Team Manager Massimo Meregalli in particular have offered me the use of Ben Spies' scooter when he's out on track and during his sessions.So it was with great relief that I head out to cover the race aboard "Number19"..Whereupon I meet fellow photographer Andrew Northcott, with who I have been friends for quite some time.There we are, two burly chaps aboard this scooter when Andrew screams "I'm slipping I'm slipping" suddenly the front comes up and he almost drops off the back! What was really funny though was that the fans who were seated above us, started clapping when I saved it! Truly hilarious. So we drive to the top of the track to shoot some more and then decide to head back down to go through the tunnel that goes under the track and into the middle.As we pass the fans that previously clapped out misadventure, start to cheer and stand and do "the wave". Funniest thing ever. Unfortunately for Ben the weekend wouldn't be as good to him as it was in Qatar, a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the first race, and a second place podium in the second puts him a few points behind Noriyuki Haga. Still, it's a long year with plenty of races to go and things can change..That's all from me this week. I'll try and squeeze in a quickie update about the AMA race at Fontana that took place prior to this event. I also need to update my website too. I'm off to Jerez this weekend for MotoGP then onto Monza for Round 5 of the World Superbike Championship. Be safe and I'll be in touch.

Racing On Two Hemispheres - Phillip Island to Daytona

I did wonder how I would fare. I was fine until 11.15 pm Friday night after the Daytona finally finished. My body decided that it was still somewhere over the Pacific and wasn't going to take no for an answer. I had to leave the media centre at the Daytona Speedway and get back to the house so I'd at least stand a chance of waking in the morning and catching my flight to come home...I did manage to wake up!

Within 6 days I travelled to Phillip Island to witness Ben Spies first victory in World Superbike and then hopped on a plane, had a surprise upgrade to Business (THANKS QANTAS) and was home for less than 10 hours before jetting off to Orlando for a quick drive to Daytona for the"new" incarnation of the AMA. I'd be lying if I didn't mention that witnessing Ben win wasn't a thrill for me on a personal level. In his first weekend in a new series, on an untested bike, the new Yamaha "Big Bang" R1, on new tyres (Pirelli's instead of Dunlops) and with a new team, but with his old AMA crew cheif Tom Houseworth by his side Ben did really well in race two. Race 1 didn't go to plan, but then again I think everyone was raring to go. And so it was all hands on deck and something had to give. Sadly it was Ben that got pushed out into the kitty litter, but he kept it up and kept on pushing to get back to front. Race two, however, was simply magical. I had gone to Phillip Island to write a "fly on the wall" story for RoadracerX about Spies' first foray into the world of World Superbikes. How he thought, how he felt and so on. I was amazed to see such a transformation in Ben. Relaxed, confident and unhurried, we chatted on the Wednesday before the race and I asked him questions that were more about him, his thoughts on how he would do and things a little more personal. I found, contrary to my initial an entirely different person than the Ben I had known in the AMA for the last how many years. I have to admit I had a really nice time chatting with with Ben, and you'll get to see the article, entitled "Spies Around The World" in the upcoming edition of RoadracerX. I hope you like it and I'd appreciate any feedback.So then onto Daytona. Sublime to the ridiculous? Daytona isn't my most favourite place in the world. In fact, none of the teams like Daytona. The saying goes, that the best thing about Daytona is watching it disappear in the distance as the planes wheels leave the runway. Arriving Tuesday I drove to my house in New Smyrna Beach. Daytona is more about folks having a good time on Main Street. The racing is really secondary to everyone who is there and the crowds in the stands and at the track reflected that. Even British rider Neil Hodgson commented that there were more riders on track in the Superbike race than fans in the stands. Still, it was good to see bikes racing back in the USA and also good to see Mladin win, and Hodgson coming in third. That said, it does look like the Suzuki's are dominating again. So no change there. That was Thursday. Next up the Daytona 200, under the lights (see first image above for the race start).For the life of me I just can't see the point of this. I'll agree that from a working point of view it's actually rather comfortable, no need for sunscreen, it's cool and comfortable but it's a novelty that on a personal level doesn't add anything and I'll admit to not being too keen on the "Pacety Car" and the rolling starts. I suppose things change, but bike racing, any form of racing, the start, knowing how to feather the clutch and let it go is a skill and one of those things that makes a racer, a racer, having the skill to anticipate the lights going from red to green (or out) and then letting it go.Well, that's all from me for now. I'll add my Fontana update Tuesday along with images to my site when I'm in Valencia prior to covering the World Superbike races from the Circuito Ricardo Tormo. My website has been updated and there are images in the archive. Bye for now!

It's Coming! From Phillip Island to Daytona to Fontana!

Folks, it's been an odd and busy year so far. I'll be posting an update tomorrow and would likr to thank all who have contacted me in the meantime.

Wheeler, is going global. Updates tomorrow!

Rossi-Stoner Laguna Seca 2008 Battle - Unique Banner Print Now Available

I typically do not sell prints.

I decided to put together the event of 2008 that turned the corner for the battle for the 2008 MotoGP Championship. The entire sequence where Valentino Rossi passed Casey Stoner in the dirt is now available in a 96x7 inch print in a simulated 35mm fuji film border. To find out more simply click on the link here: Rossi-Stoner Laguna Seca Print

AutoMotoPhoto Review 2008 - Valentino Rossi On The Cover!

It's here. My self published 2008 AutoMotoPhoto Review which covers pictorially every race I covered through 2008, including some excellent images of the series changing and skillful pass that Valentino Rossi made on Casey Stoner at Laguna Seca during the Red Bull MotoGP at Laguna Seca.

The cover shot was taken on the Saturday morning at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo and is of Valentino Rossi adjusting his visor prior to heading out on track.

I'll be attending the opening round of World Superbikes at Phillip Island in Australia. If you need images from this opening round please do contact me. Onward and upward!

World Superbike and MotoGP Photographer Available

Just a quick self promotional update. Even the world of high speed motorsports has been affected by the world economic crisis and it's knock on effects. I would like to speak to any OEM, aftermarket manufacturers, PR agencies or anyone who may need coverage of either MotoGp or World Superbike. I am credentialled for both series for the entire year and would welcome inquires from anyone interested in speaking with me about images for advertising, race coverage and or editorial. I maintain a large accessible archive and can transmit, deliver images at short notice from anywhere in the world.

Call me at 831-539-3324 and let's chat.

AMA Superbikes and MotoGP - A Year In Photos

That pretty much sums it up..

For your viewing pleasure a selection of images from my coverage of the AMA Superbike Series and a selected number of MotoGP races in the USA, Australia and Spain.On a personal note, I'd like to thank the nice folks at RoadracerX, Cycleworld, Motorcycle Racer Magazine, Bike and Performance Bike magazines and other media outlets for their support and interest in using my work through 2008.

Also I'd like to take a little moment to thank all the people I have met on my travels who have come up to me and offered support and have enjoyed meeting me and have taken joy at looking my pictures. I look at what I do as giving people a view into a world that is for me truly inspiring and having an opportunity to be able to be "their eyes" allows me to share what I see with others all around the globe.

Here's wishing everyone a safe New Years and let us hope that 2009 really picks up.

Lights! Cameras! Action! - Daytona Tire Test

Tire testing into the night and under the lights. A couple of firsts.I arrive Friday morning at the Daytona International Speedway knowing only a handful of teams would be testing. Due to a multitude of reasons Yoshimura Suzuki and Kawasaki would not be in attendance. Yamaha would be there along with American Honda as would Buell. For the first time this test is being run by AMA Pro Racing, not Dunlop and what amounts to be a really big surprise, there's a pit lane speed! All new.9am until noon, and evenings from 6pm until 9pm are scheduled for for the newly created "Daytona Sportbike" class. They will use a newly configured track running from the infield onto NASCAR turns 1 and 2, then down the back straight of the Speedway, through the infield chicane and back onto NASCAR turns 3 and 4. From 1-5pm the track was reconfigured and the "American Superbikes" would run the infield pretty much as they have done in recent years, and then take their turn after the last chicane onto NASCAR turns 3 and 4.With a sunset on the horizon, and darkness approaching, the lights are turned on.Massive MUSCO light trucks are scattered around the infield like mechanical giraffes and the main track lights are all on. The lights are so bright the Speedway had to drape light shielding tarps to avoid over lighting the neighboring airport! You cannot see the ugly backgrounds that surround the track and oddly enough it creates a rather intimate and somewhat cosy feeling. Watching the bodywork of the bikes glint and shine under the lamps as they pass is rather interesting, then as they leave you there's the glow of a small red LED tail light that streaks into the night.This should be visually interesting in March. Josh Herrin actually mentioned that he had gotten a headache first time out due to an increased level of concentration. As a photographer you have to pick and choose and use your judgement as to what you're going to capture as you have to adapt your methodology due to the darkness and lack of ambient light. Nonetheless, I can honestly say I really did enjoy the evening sessions which is saying something. Why the AMA is running the race in the evening I have no idea. As we know, the first Formula 1 race at night from Singapore and the MotoGP race from Qatar were both run in the evening for TV, allowing viewers in Europe to watch these races at a more normal time.The other first? Saturday afternoon I was down at the far end of the track, when I heard a squawking sound that I didn't recognize, I look up and see two bald eagles "dancing" with each other. How cool! I have never seen bald eagles outside before, let alone two of them flying together.The Daytona 200 takes place on Friday evening March 6. As this is the last Friday of "Bike Week" everyone is on Main Street in Downtown Daytona, so we'll have to see how many are going to want to watch racing, or leather clad biker babes. Both of which will be "under the lights".....

Have a Cool Yule everyone.

Paella and Air Horns - The Last Gasp - Valencia MotoGP

This was my second trip to Valencia to cover the final round of the MotoGP World Championship, sadly without my wife. Nonetheless, I love coming to Spain, the scenery is very similar to California, the food and the people here are truly wonderful. I stay roughly 30km from the track near a town called Macastre in a cottage almost at the top of of a mountain that could be as far away from the excitement of racing as is possible, thus allowing me to simply unwind at the end of the day away from the noise of the track and the busy work in the media centre. With supermarkets in the nearby town I am able buy produce to cook dinner and it allows me to mingle with the folks who live there. To feel less of a visitor. Race day arrives at the Circuit Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, just outside of Valencia and it is always a feast for all of the senses. The ampitheatre creates a canvas which is painted with bright colours, yellows, reds, blues and greens of people supporting their favorite riders and teams.Loud air horns and chanting fill the air with excitement. Paella, a combination that can include shrimp, rice, chorizo, chicken and rabbit; cooking on open burners fills the air and taunts the appetite with it's complicated aroma masked only momentarily by the smell of the 125 and 250 two strokes during warm up.The GP bikes are racing. Fans stand and clap as their favorite riders Pedrosa, Rossi, Hayden, Lorenzo and others pass them each time. Air horns blare in some oddball symphony and flags wave in the warm Spanish sun. We have a race as the main dish and the fans are eating it up. But as with all good things they come to an end and all the race are run, and the dessert is a firework show that sends vibrations through your core with each explosion. Valencia is special. As it's the last race of the MotoGP calender on the Monday following, riders who are changing teams are on track on their new machines. Nicky Hayden has moved to Ducati, Marco Melandri has moved to Kawasaki and Sete Gibernau is back. The number one plate has left it's previous owner Casey Stoner and has disappeared once again as Valentino Rossi has won the championship and proudly wears the number "46" of his father on his machine and has done for each time he won the Championship. He wears a number "1" on his leathers.Before I go, I'd just like to say a quick "Thank You" to Ian Wheeler, Steffi and Matteo of Kawasaki Racing for their kind hospitality, wonderful coffee, company and food during the race weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing you again somewhere in Europe in 2009.

Oh, and Go Nicky!Next up, the Dunlop tire test from Daytona.

From Here, Laguna - To Eternity, Phillip Island

Well, when you think the next piece of land is Tasmania then the South Pole.......I must apologise to those who wait with baited breath for words from me. (Yep, I hear 'em all lining up right now...) Life has been busy, then throw in a knee injury, visits to various people who want to twist your legs and say, "does this hurt?" seems to dissolve what time you "think" you have.

Anyways, here we go. The last round (maybe ever) of the 2008 AMA Superbike Series took place at Laguna during the last weekend in September. It felt like a wake, and many folks compared it to the last day at high school. What I think was most prevalent, was the fact that many of the people I spend half my life around are in essence in limbo. Because nothing is set in stone for 2009 people are simply taking the bull by the horns and making decisions based on what work they'll be able to get. Riders with some cache and a good resume are looking to Europe and the World Superbike Series for opportunities.. (GO JOSH HAYES!!). For me, I just felt some level of sadness. Every other weekend I leave my wife Emily, whom I love dearly, and join up with these folks who race, and those who officiate. These people are my family. (I'm not a fan of the word family as it's been over used but for me in this case, it's applicable). No-one has any idea of what is happening in 2009. I fear that people are just going to go where best they might make a living. To each person I know I wish you all the best of luck and love. Thank you all for being part of my world. Thank you Tim, Bree and the all Corona folks for all your help this year, having access to a scooter made all the difference.

With the last race (maybe ever) of the AMA Superbike Series in the bag, I then hop on a plane to Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix. One of my most favourite places in the world, and one of my favourite racetracks. If you've never been to Phillip Island then you should at least try to get there once in your life. I grew up in the UK during the 60's and 70's. A trip to the cornershop, Bassetts Sherbet dabs, Jelly Babies, Black Jacks and Flakes being part of anyone childhood are still part of life down here. People are polite, say good morning, hello and please and thank you. For a week I'm transported back into a world where common courtesy is more important than getting to the front of the line. Even if Coles the supermarket in Cowes looks like half the cast of Mad Max 1 have just rolled of the set, courtesy is still in existence. Nice. Plus Rossi rocked the crowds as he does...With that in mind. I'm off to Valencia tomorrow for the last round of MotoGP. I'm a little sad because Emily cannot join me.

I'd also like to add a that regardless of what you do, it's important to keep in touch.

Travelling so far, and not so far away, one is reminded of how one misses those who cannot chat online, like ones pets. Jack, my dog, died whilst I was at Mid Ohio covering the AMA races a couple of years ago. At Phillip Island Valentino Rossi, when asked during his post race press conference if he was planning on staying in Australia or going onto to Malaysia, replied, rather quickly, that no, he was going to go 'ome, to sleep in his bed, and play with his (my) dog Guido.

I hope he managed to get home in time, as Guido died over the weekend of 10/11, reminding us that there is a price for all of this and how important it is to keep in touch. Make sure to hug the ones you loves. Here's Thor on his first birthday last week (10/8)...With that, I'll bid you all goodnight and thank you for listening. Next up, Valencia and the final round of the 2008 MotoGP season. Wheeler is going global...and Emily, I love you dearly.

Dreams Coming Full Circle At The Brickyard

During the weekend of September 12th to the 14th, I covered the inaugural return of MotoGP and motorcycle racing to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. Like many others, both professional and fans alike, I was excited. The last time I attended a race meeting at the IMS, (aside from testing in late July this year) I was with my wife Emily. In 2001 we attended the inaugural return to the US of Formula 1 and again in 2003 and 2004. It was at the same of the year, the level enthusiasm was the same and I was just a fan, sitting and looking on from the other side of the fence and barriers with a video camera, instead of Valentino Rossi being the man to watch, we had Michael Schumacher. In 2004, with my wife Emily and I pressed firmly against the crowd fence during the pit walk, Renault factory driver Fernando Alonso approached us. I turned and looked towards a photographer taking pictures of the fans from inside the barriers and said in passing to Emily, "you know, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a job like that?" Almost 4 years later to the day, here I am, in that same spot the photographer was working covering an event with as much gravitas as Formula 1 in a place with history oozing out of every piece of concrete and steel and for a moment, I was overwhelmed and humbled by the fact that I had been granted the ability to cover this event, sadly not being able to share this with my wife Emily a she had to stay home. Over the rest of the weekend, meeting folks back at my hotel, around the race track and even in the parking lot, many of which had *never* watched a motorcycle race in their life, I sensed a similar level of enthusiasm and enjoyment, regardless of the weather. Seeing people having this much fun at a time when there really isn't much to smile about, with big grins on their faces, with little kids and grown adults wide eyed as Rossi, Stoner, Hayden and others aboard their uber powerful hi-tech machines showing off their magnificent skills and hearing the oohs and aahs from behind me as I worked made the weekend something special.I hope some of the 174,000 people who attended this wonderful weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can realize their dreams, no matter how small just as I did. Odldy, I didn't manage to grab myself a smoked turkey leg. There's always next year, and fingers crossed, let's hope the rain stays away!

Last round of the AMA Superbike Series (maybe forever?) from Laguna Seca in Monterey, then we go to the land of Rolf Harris, kangaroos and Fosters "beeyah". One last thing before I go, I'd like to mentioned a solid "well done" to Ben Spies on his performance at this event.

Saying Goodbye - Where Was Everyone? - Rd Atlanta

One could say, the Championship is/was (and now has been won by Ben Spies) and that's why the crowds just didn't materialise at Road Atlanta. Typically, Friday's are easy to move around, Saturday and Sunday are really difficult. This weekend was so different. Less people camped out, the vendor area was full of people trying to sell their goods and services but to whom?
I think that there were possibly more people at an early season test at Infineon than there were at Road Atlanta. Shame. Could it be the DMG vs the OEM's is finally coming to a head? Maybe folks are upset that perhaps they perceive DMG are going after Mladin, being that he has been extremely candid on their plans for the AMA Superbike series. I'm not gong to get into it here, but for whatever reason, people were not there in their masses. Which saddens me. Humidity and heat aside, I like Road Atlanta and i like going to the South. I couldn't live there, but for four days I enjoy the hospitality, the weird clay and even weirder bugs.

On the ground and in the paddock with the teams and riders there was an air of reflection. This was the first race weekend since Toriano Wilson had died at VIR. There was a feeling reverence around the Red Bull Rookies bivouac. Outside of the entrance to the "garage" there stood a portrait of the young man aboard his KTM125 and a above it a lovely portrait of Toriano (taken on the stairs to the media centre at Barber). You could say it was more of a shrine. But an interactive one, whereby people were encourage to say a few words, whatever around his image. A nice touch. The epitaphs were extremely moving written my riders, fellow rookies, whoever felt moved to say a few words in passing.

Moving on, this week you'll find me going back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to follow up the the test I covered back in July. This time, it's the whole MotoGP circus. 125's, 250's and the GP bikes. I am thrilled to be able to cover this event, even though my knees are finally giving up the ghost. Hopefully they'll last until I'm done with the season, my last race being the MotoGP at Valencia. With that in mind, I'll sign off, and we'll see you there.

18 Years Ago Today - Ben Spies On The Cover

I'll have my site updated with images from Road Atlanta this weekend. This is a small update to celebrate my 18 anniversary of my immigration to the United States. I arrived here late afternoon on September 5, 1990 loaded with only four suitcases and a $20 bill my Mum gave me so I would have some money to buy a coffee when I got here. 18 years I have been here with the most beautiful girl in my world. I love you.

On another note, I should mention that I also have the cover of the current (new) issue for Sept/Oct 2008 of RoadRacerX. Woohoo! You should check out this issue though, lots of good stuff within! More updates later...

Looking At The Sky - Maybe The Last Thing You'll See?

I was going to blog some race images here but...

It's taken me a whiles to look at my images from the entire weekend. To put things in perspective. As a motorcycle rider who was seriously injured, and almost died as a result of being hit on the road by a drunk driver when I was 16, I looked at the ambulances, the medical paraphernalia that was being deployed after not even a half of the first lap of Sunday mornings Red Bull Rookie Cup race and the first thought that came to mind was, you know, when you have a motorcycle accident you either don't know what happened (re: you're unconscious), your either look at the ground because that's the way you end up, or you look at the sky (again because that's the way you end up). Subsequently, you either watch feet run towards you, or you have lots of people fussing over you in this totally surreal "am I going to die" feeling akin to coming out of anesthetic where the nurse will gently tap your face and go "c'mon Andrew, wake up, wake up"...or you simply have no clue because.

In this image, the first ambulance on the left, a little 14 year old racer is being transferred to ultimately be taken taken on his last journey. Sadly, the 14 year old Bermudan was seriously injured and died of his injuries following an accident on the first lap of the Red Bull Rookies cup. When one knows what happens, the length of time it takes to do "things", watching the little guys leathers being cut off, and if this has happened to you, you know that things aren't going to turn out well. What struck me as this little boy, with huge dreams was being wheeled into the ambulance was the laughter and cheer cheer coming over the PA, obviously unbeknownst to the MC of the event. But for me, it just seemed so odd. It wasn't even sunny, it was grey, and less than two hours before I took a photo of this potential champ doing what he loved.

Sorry to be so gloomy, but as I wrote a whiles ago, I still maintain I wish I had this opportunity when I was a kid.

My thoughts, love and karma go to his parents. Also to Kevin Schwantz. Just spending 10 minutes in his prescence chatting with these kids could see they meant something special to him and the knowledge he imparted was priceless.

I leave for Atlanta early tomorrow morning 8/28. See you there. ..on a lighter note and to give you something a little happier to leave with, I spent a nice hour or so chatting with Eric on Rumblestrip Radio this morning about what I do...if you've got an Ipod and want a podcast and wonder what someone who comes from the West Country of England sounds like, click the link...!

It Didn't Rain - Mid Ohio And Being Broody

It didn't rain. I got plenty of sleep. I had a good weekend. Oh, and it didn't rain. What a relief. With the AMA Superbike Series already in a "what is going to happen next year" mode, the thought of one more acrimonious race (or lack thereof) weekend with riders at loggerheads with the series owners it was with positive thoughts that most of us involved hoped we'd have a dry weekend. Well, without harping on about it for too long, we did. With reasonably warm temperatures (Friday was rather hot but the weather cooled for Saturday and Sunday), I was reminded of the summers we have in England, slightly humid, with fluffy white clods across a lovely blue sky, and pleasant cool breezes to keep everything in check. It was wonderful. It's odd how significant moments in your life can be attached to places and events. For me, the visit to Mid Ohio Sports Car Course during the AMA Superbike weekend will always have the memory of my dear dog Jack dying whilst I was here. The kindness shown by many of the riders and fellow photographers who knew me at that point as I without reason would burst into tears. For me losing Jack was worse in some ways than losing my Dad. Some will understand that, some won't but in someways, whenever I come here my subconscious works on a different level. I feel broody. I think this then reflects in my imagery somehow, it's not that I think I'm here, let's take something dark and sombre, but it comes out after the fact. Okay, enough of that....! Back to the race weekend...Ben Bostrom, he with the fancy new Shoei that Greg White affectionally dubbed the Pergo helmet, won the Supersport race with style. Saturday was Official Red Flag Day at Mid Ohio, three red flags interupted the Superbike race, and then the Formula Extreme race was cut short, or red flagged, due to a nasty accident on the start finish straight involving Garrett Carter (he's okay btw). The flip side of this was that the schedule was getting later and later. However, the light does improve as the sun drops lower in the sky and we're all treated to those benefits.With that in mind, I have to finish getting prepared before I head off to Virginia International Raceway near Alton where I will be covering the next round of the AMA Superbike Championship. Until then, here is Red Bull Rookie, Benito Solis aboard his KTM125 during Saturday evenings Red Bull Rookie qualifying session.More from VIR to come next week.