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..

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Crowds Roared - A Laguna Seca MotoGp USGP Update!

Apologies for the delay in updating this corner of the world. What with one thing or another I needed a little break. Finally AutoMotoPhoto has been updated. The race weekend was interesting. Fog played a major part in the events, causing delays to the AMA schedule. However, as MotoGP is tied very heavily to TV schedules worldwide, it runs when it's supposed to. Overall the weather during the weekend was pleasant and maneagable, the crowds were a little down on last year but it made moving around considerably easier and well, the GP race on Sunday certainly gave everyone their money's worth.For once in my crazy motorcycle racing photography career I was in the right place at the right time an was fortunate enough to capture the entire pass Valentino Rossi made on Casey Stoner by following the tried and tested Alex Zanardi route through the dirt. You had to be there, with a full house of racing fans behind me, each time riders appeared air horns blasted and cheers went up! This time, as Rossi passed Stoner on the dirt, it was like David Beckham scoring a goal for England (Eng-a-land)....as soon as the they had passed every photographer grappled with the rear of their cameras to check (or "chimp" )their review screens to see if they caught what would turn out to be the "shot of the day"....

To think, just a moment before I was going to walk a little further down the hill for another vantage point but thought to myself, "nah, I'll stay here for one more lap" and for the first time ever it paid off. After working my way down to the hill to hopefully catch a chequered flag shot I arrived at the first gate into the paddock and I was turned away, sadly by the time we had got to the second gate I missed Rossi triumphantly wheelie his Yamaha across the finish line. That's life I suppose, however, not to be too downhearted I was fortunate enough to get to the barriers in parc ferme right next to Rossi's team and was able to witness his jubilation and joy of winning the race. This is the second time I have been able to witness a Rossi win up close and personal, the first was at Phillip Island a couple of years ago and his (Rossi) exuberance and just plain excited boyishness is infectious. Smiles all round...a big well done to AMA Superbike riders Ben Spies and Jamie Hacking who put on a cracking performance as wild cards in the GP race and a big well done to Ben Bostrom and Mat Mladin as well. It gave me some folks to cheer for. With that in mind, I'll leave you with an aerial view of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with a big thanks to Michael for getting me up, up and awaaaay.
Off to Mid Ohio tomorrow. It looks like it won't rain....PHEW!

Listen To My Dulcet Tones - Yes it's Wheeler Live!

Blogworld! 

Just a heads up as I figure we have some folks who might get a kick out of this. Yes folks, Andrew Wheeler (that's me) is being interviewed on live radio tomorrow evening at around 6PM PST...
On Saturday night June 28 5:00-7:00 pm PST (8:00-10:00 EST)listen to CW Radio and you can call in to the show 1-800-510-8255, this si when the show airs. For actual free to air radio stations you can check the list here . I'm thrilled.

My Worst Weekend Ever - I Love Road America

Sorry for the delay in posting... Now, where do I begin? It was all good in theory. A condo in Sheboygan, 13 miles or so from Lake Elkhart and the track and next to the Great Lake. Comfy, huge, kitchen away from everything that could present noise pollution in the evening when for me rest is important.

It will always rain at least ONE day at Road America. Oh wait, it rained all THREE days...add in thunder, lightning, tornado warnings and you've got it all!On Wednesday, my body decided to start rejecting me. Last year, on my working trip to cover MotoGP at Mugello. I had flu that pretty much killed any chance of covering the actual race day. Oddly, here we are, roughly at the same time of year and true to form, I was designated the petri dish for some sort of human biological experiment and was hit with yet another flu attack. With that thought in mind, and on reflection it was somewhat stupid, I decided to go as planned to Road America.

Rule #1. NEVER work with a temperature. As I said, I should've stayed home. If it wasn't for the fact that had a major assignment I may well have. But being a freelance, and self employed you enter into this as a Catch 22 with the Devil. Oh well. As it turned out I was able to finish my assignment.

One thing I should mention, and one thing that always baffles me is the lack of any sort of salad at the food concession stands. For example, one stand I went to I asked for a sausage sandwich (which does confuse folks out there because they say "brawt", however, with my British West Country twang it doesn't sound right and thus I end up with some very confused looks...so I stick with the word sausage...). So I ask for the sandwich and follow it up with, "does it come with any lettuce?", "no" comes the reply. I then ask, "how about a slice of tomato?" "No", comes the reply. I then ask, "do you have any salad at all?" The reply to this question was just too funny, "oh, we have some sliced dill pickles by the mustard!" To throw a bigger spanner in the works, I then just asked to have my sausages, or "brawt's" sans bun. Which after a small discussion as to why I didn't want to have my sausages in a bun I left with my two fingers of meat and was as happy as I could be considering the circumstances.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Just in case having jungle fever wasn't enough, both of my Canon 1DMK2N's decided that they didn't want to work anymore, at or around Sunday lunchtime. With some creative use of the on/off switch I was able to get some acion shots, but I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to my good friend John Hanson who was kind enough to loan me one of his Nikon D2X's, I did manage to finish out the weekend.

Oh, and thank you to all those folks who saw me on TV with aforementioned D2X and sent me emails asking if I had become a switch hitter...I have to say I'm still married...

Indy MotoGP test next week. See you then.

Oh, and Danny Eslick made my weekend with this little jaunty display of odd craziness...

AMA Meet WSBK - Keeping It Below 4% ABV

Can you believe Thursday started out with clouds, rain and drama?

What a weekend. This year I decided to rent an apartment a little over 35 miles away from the track in Salt Lake City. What a blessing that was. Quiet, relaxing and allowed me to cook my own food in the evenings. Miller Motorsports Park is one of my favourite locations on the calender, doubled in fun this time with the addition of the World Superbike and it's stable of talented riders. Even though Thursday started out with clouds, the rest of the weekend would be perfect as far as the weather went. The racing was fun and there was enough pizzazz that is intermingled with the World Superbike Series to make it feel like something truly special. For me, the racing is good, the marketing of the series is good (with preformed collapsible pit boxes being used to hide ugly garages you have the availability to have a nice backdrop/background when shooting ) and the access is wonderful being that within reason you can get into the garage, get your shot and move around with relative ease.

The scenery at Miller Motorsports Park is also very dramatic. I was hoping that with the slightly cooler temperatures than usual we'd be treated to snow capped mountains, and low and behold, my wishes were answered. Miller Motorsports Park is one of those locations where big wide landscape Ansel Adam style images can be created whilst including racing into the picture. AutoMotoPhoto has been updated with a whole slew of images so grab a coffee and have a gander. Oh the 4% ABV? Well, most of the beer you can buy in supermarket cannot be brewed above 4%ABV, that said, there are state run liquor stores where you can buy slightly stronger brews!

Next up, Road America, the rainfest!

Beer, Wine, Racing and Good Company

Sorry for the delay in the updating. I guess the price of fame has it's downside (there goes that British self deprecating humour again...) and I think it's my mind. There's nothing worse than getting to your hotel after an awkward 120 mile from the Central Coast, only to find that early onset of senility has set in and in fact you booked your hotel for the same weekend that you were at Fontana. "No really" I said to Sarah on the front desk, I have the confirmation here (after running out to the parking lot to get my laptop), only to be shot down in flames when my wife pointed out that indeed Mr Organised here had booked this hotel for the same weekend as Fontana. Oh well.

Anyways, this weekend was a lot of fun, in part because my wife comes with me on this trip and this time I even gave her a camera (a 1DMK2N and 70-200f2.8) and after some brief instruction just said take some pictures of what you see, have fun. She did and this was one of her shots. I think it's pretty impressive for a first time out, even with the hay bales!Infineon is always a good weekend. The vibe within the media centre is good. John Cardinale, Diana and Chuckie the Chief Track Photographer work hard to make sure everyone can do their job, so thank you. What no one was prepared for was the heat on Friday. Oh my, the week before all of us were being mildly roasted and blow dried in Fontana. Friday, in Sonoma, we were being broiled. On Saturday, following the Superbike race, Mat Mladin actually said what many folks had been thinking about the possible outcome of next year, to which many folks clapped and whooped, but so much has been said elsewhere I don't need to re-iterate. Sunday arrives, and everything, and everyone is a lot cooler (including Mat...).One thing I would like to say is a big congratulations to Danny Eslick,who came in third during Sunday's Supersport race. Nice work mate. We'll see everyone in Utah. World Superbike and the AMA Superbike series are coming together. It's going to be a very busy weekend.

Cold Hands and Woolly Jumpers - Testing Sheep

Onto testing...
Sonoma is one of those areas that is into the alternative resource lifestyle, be it organic produce, meats, dairy and of course beer and wine. It is also close to the home where Yamaha riders Eric and Ben Bostrom grew up.With that in mind, how cool is it when a racetrack allows animals to clear grasses that grow abundantly around the racetrack. That's what they do at Infineon Raceway near Sonoma. Yes they use sheep! How truly wonderful. It also makes for a pleasant lunch break, simply unwrap your packed lunch, sit up on the hills and let the bleating surround you. Wonderful. At Laguna Seca (above), Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki were in attendance. At Infineon, all the factory teams bar Erion Honda were there. As is the case the weather at Laguna was wonderful, albeit very windy and cold. At Infineon, it was a bit muddy weather wise. Fortunately dry but the sun couldn't make up it's mind.Sometimes I do forget how far Infineon Raceway is from my home in Capitola. However, I never ever get tired of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. You would never think that, especially as I have lived here in California for 18 years this coming September. But each time I drive the bridge I'm reminded of the opening sequence of the "Streets of San Francisco", the TV show with Michael Douglas and Karl Malden.  With similar nostalgia, I'm also reminded of how my grandmother could never cook fish fingers properly, as we would always watch "The Streets of San Francisco" at her house at tea time on Saturday afternoons when I was a little boy growing up in the UK.  They'd be still frozen in the middle.  Sort of like a modern day fish popsicle.  I'd still eat them though, not wanting to be ungrateful.

Oh...and for something different, here's some video shot with a Canon G9 from the Laguna Seca test.


That's all from me for now. AutoMotoPhoto® is updated with some images from testing. Next week I'm off to Barber Motorsports Park near Leeds in Alabama. Looks like there's going to be a race a happenen'

Daytona - Sleep, Rain Dances And Chaz Davies

Well, it was with some trepidation that I headed off to Daytona for the first round of the AMA Superbike Series and the Daytona 200. In years past sleeping in the evening just hasn't happened with some folks who are less than thoughtful thinking that it is good fun to ride back to the hotel at 3am with straight through exhausts, The lack of consideration given to folks who might just be sleeping during those early morning hours has made this annual working trip to Daytona somewhat less enjoyable than it should be. NOT THIS YEAR!

Two factors were at play this year that made this the most enjoyable and productive trip I have ever had to Daytona ever. First, one factor I could control was the accommodations. I found a lovely house to rent in New Smyrna Beach (thank you D&C). I slept like a KING!Plus it was far enough away from the madden(ing) crowds and in a residential district that it made the evenings simply perfect. The second factor that was out of my control was the weather. It rained in the evenings that pretty much kept many off the road and as a result assisted in making the evenings even quieter! Hopefully it's rain in the evenings next year. As long as it doesn't rain during the days when there is practice, qualifying and then race days I'm happy. I'm in Daytona for the road racing only. Speaking of road racing, Josh Hayes won the Daytona 200, only to have it taken away due to a technicality (it is under appeal so who knows), however, the race win was given to Chaz Davies who was originally second. I was happy for Josh and I'm also happy for Chaz, but it's a shame that these things happen bearing in mind that both Josh and Chaz are good friends of ours. In fact during the whole week, with Hodgson taking pole for the 200 vs Chaz and then Josh winning and losing to Chaz it was a mixed emotions week one way or another. The upside, it was good to be at the races again....I'd just like to share a shot from Thursday's SuperSport race. The weather was rolling in and it just got darker and darker....Oh, and maybe it's time to review and re-write my "who has the best media hospitality" guide. Not quite sure where I'd put Daytona...Next up, we have some testing and then it's off to Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham in Alabama.