When the two words, ‘grand’ and ‘prix’, were brought up on local Maryland automotive forums, communities, radio, television and word-of-mouth, it seemed surreal. A race in downtown Baltimore?! Are you kidding me? I was jumping like a 5yr old receiving a Super Nintendo on Christmas. The months building up to opening day were intense. Massive street closures, repaving, and traffic hell. Then the day arrived. I went to go pick up my media credentials and the media director dropped a bomb on me. “What’s your name again? Oh yes. I looked on your site (who I was photographing for) and all you guys shoot is tuners and drifters. Where are the indy cars and track days?” Well, Sir, this is our first event of this caliber and size. We have tons of experience shooting cars and racing. “Too bad you’ve never shot anything Indy car-related. I can’t give you a media vest.” Which I very well understood his logic. There was over 800 media personnels and only 35 vests. Yeah, a slight problem. No worries, if I couldn’t get up to the wall. The fact that I was there was exciting enough. And my credentials did get me in places where others couldn’t get access, which was great!
View the entire album here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamzrad/sets/72157627472006671/
I’ll let the photos do the talking.
I swear Nikon (camera sponsor of event), knew exactly where to hang banners!
Ying and Yang.
Next year, I’m getting that damn media vest.
-Phil