Copyrighted Photos/Memories Last two for now. Indianapolis 500. Even today it is the biggest spectacle in racing. I believe that in the next 3-4 years, it once again will come back to its original glory. Worst time was the year Swede Savage was killed. Best finish was when Fitipaldi passed Unser Jr, and then in Victory Lane showed that real men can cry. And drink milk. Indy had the best Photographer passes of any track at that time, they were actual collector pins. I have a dozen, somewhere. First shot is of Gordan Johncock passing somebody. I kept these panning shots as the boss didn't want them. I was not one of the senior photogs, so I did not get to do the start from outside turn one. So I ended up buying two seats in the E Penthouse, and got great shots from there, before working my way down to the pits. This is a photo from one of my seats, could see from the fourth turn, the pits, all the way to just past the second turn. I have had these seats for over 30 years. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have been posting these photos to share with my friends here on FChat. I guess form some of the reactions and PM's I am getting there are a few good shots. In the last week I have been approached by someone legit that wants me to put them all together with the stories in a book. So once again I ask that you enjoy these old photos but please do not use them for any commercial reasons. I have actually sent the photo cd's in with the paperwork and they are now copyrighted. A soon as I know more, assuming anyone other than my sister is interested in the book, I will let you know the details. Thanks
OK, one more. Do any of you know someone that asked A.J. Foyt to pose for a photo and not get pushed aside or decked? And then you took that photo and he autographed it for your brother-in-law that was seriously burnt and in the hospital? My oldest daughter was 6 when she literally ran into A.J. in an elevator at the Everglades Hotel in downtown Miami, where A.J. was driving one of Preston Henn's Swap Shop entries in the Miami Grand Prix. He smiled at her and said "how you doing cutie". She's 28 today, and still remembers that experience. After the torrential downpour the first year of that race, I stayed in a room on the fourth floor of the Everglades over looking the race track. It never rained again, but a great place to retreat to between races. Used to bring in food and beverages and invited friends to join us. A.J. posing: Image Unavailable, Please Login
You should ABSOLUTELY publish a book with your stories. I'd certainly buy one...as would quite a few people I know. Wonderful photos....and I must add to the thanks for sharing them.
Thanks for the comments. I've always liked some of these photos, but never showed them to many people as I did not think they were that good. So I appreciate all of your inputs very much. As for an autographed copy, I am still having a tough time writing with the burns from the Boxer accident, but I will be happy to try to autograph a copy. I was thinking when I posted that photo of A.J., and told the story of my oldest daughter running into him, about how today, her boyfriend is impressed that she's been to the 24 Hours of LeMans, numerous Daytona Continentals (now the 24 hours), and numerous Daytona 500's. I took my youngest daughter, now 17, to 8 straight Daytona Twin 125's from the time she was 3. I thought that short races would keep her attention, but if she ever appeared to get bored, it would be time to leave. I had been to enough races in my life that leaving early was no big deal, I figured if I stayed, she would correlate a negative in racing. The good thing was she loved the Skittles car that Ernie Irvan drove, so she had something to cheer about. We also used to go every year to the CART races in MidOhio, just after the Ohio State Fair, and just before Cedar Point. Actually, I preferred the SCCA TransAm support race over the CART race, much more exciting. Better drivers, too many idiots in CART at that time. After the TransAm series fizzled, I decided an extra day at Cedar Point would be better than MidOhio and CART, never went back. I used to tell my youngest, "just think, when you are older, the boys will be impressed that you know who Michael Schumacher and Dale Earnhardt are". She thought I was crazy when one day while watching my first BTCC, I saw Tarquini flip his Alfa and all the doors opened and I jumped up screaming Oh My God those are real cars with opening doors!! And then these sedans would rub side by side knocking off rear view mirrors. First they had outside rear view mirrors, second and more importantly, they didn't woose out and stop the race to clean off the track, they kept on racing. I thought I would have a heart attack. If only NASCAR would take the hint. She didn't believe me at first about my racing stories improving her social life, but now at 17 when she calls and asks for confirmation that Dale was called the Intimidator, and Michael drove for Ferrari, or if she was right that Chrylser owned Lamborghini (at the time they did) she now understands. The boys are impressed. Now, I am not so sure that is a good thing. The problem is she grew up to be a real looker (obviously, she takes after me-actually she does, her mother is blond blue eyed), and soon to be fashion model. Bummer, I created a monster. The point I am making to all of you with daughters, take them to the races, they are just as good if not better than sons, but do not hesitate to leave when as children they get bored. If you stay, they will hate racing. Danica is the best thing to happen to fathers of daughters. My "little" daughter, teaching her the importance of the Scuderia: Image Unavailable, Please Login
I said it once but it deserve's repeating, thank you thank you thank you, LOL! A book is no doubt a huge undertaking but if it does happen sign me up but I personaly would be very happy just to aquire some autographed pic's from you, your autograph I mean lol! If that is ever possible I hope you will let me know. Thank's again, Gregg
Shot at Detroit when in the streets, can anyone tell me who would be driving? I can not remember. Image Unavailable, Please Login
A couple more of James Hunt along with the others I already posted. One with a lovely lady while at Long Beach. The other photo from the overhang on the front straight of Watkins Glen: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've got two copies of Michael Keyser's The Speed Merchants, one copy that I've read over and over again, and another pristine copy I keep on the shelf. This wonderful thread makes me believe we need a "Part II"!! Ron, you're the man for this!
OK, long day, actually celebrated a birthday with my daughters, I am tired, so this is it until the weekend. One of the friendliest, and skilled drivers, always one of my very favorite, Ronnie Petersen. I remember the day I was watching the Italian, I think Italian, Grand Prix, and that horrible turn one. What a loss. First two of Ronnie in the Lotus are from Long Beach, third photo in the Lotus is on track at Watkins Glen. The other two I previously posted are Ronnie in the 6 wheel Tyrrell at The Glen from the front straight overhang, and in the pits at the Glen: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Question, if I keep posting these photos, who will want to buy the book? I guess the book will have to be really large format? I hope I have the Pope on my side to protect me. ;] Image Unavailable, Please Login
Tom Pryce, another tragic loss, at Mosport, I think, or maybe The Glen (?): Image Unavailable, Please Login
Actually, I would purchase a photo CD. Easier for you (probably already have them stored that way) and you could attach the copyright agreement I assume you already use. Plus, after my Photo Formula 1 got destroyed, I'm a little gun-shy paying up for nice books.
Yes, I believe the accident with the corner worker was at South Africa. I wasn't sure where the photo was taken.
A new water photo, F1 boats. I do not rmember where this is taken. These are incredible to watch, they go around corners on the water in a way a regular F1 car would not be able to do. I am not sure if they come to the USA any longer, if they do I highly recommend watching. Also the previous post of a hydroplane on the gravel pit in Dayton. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
