MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas - 2014

Back in April I had a chance to go to the second annual running of the MotoGP races at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) track in Austin, Tx. I went to the races last year and had a blast, but after watching the races on TV,  I realized that there were parts of the track I did not walk to. So this year with one of my best friends we went exploring to another part of the track. Most of the shots are from my Canon 7D with a Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5 and a few I took with my Samsung Galaxy S4. It turned out to be a good weekend, great racing, and it wasn't too hot. So here are some of my shots.

Here is another area of the track I got to to see some action.  Here are two riders turning into Turn 9 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA)

During a practice run, Moto2 rider number 55 looks at the other riders coming out of Turn 2 at the Circuit Of the Americas.

Moto2 Riders passing under the pedestrian bridge by Turn 16 at the Circuit of the Americas.

I had a chance to go to the top of the observation tower at the Circuit of the Americas and the views were spectacular.  It is the best seat in the house to see the entire track.

Here is a shot from the Observation tower looking down on riders at turn 16 of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Here is a wider shot from the Observation Tower looking down on Turn 16.

Looking down on Turn 18 one ride had some bike trouble.   Here is another shot I captured from the Observation Tower of a track, where a corner worker is trying push start this bike.

Looking down on Turn 18 one ride had some bike trouble.   Here is another shot I captured from the Observation Tower of a track, where a corner worker is trying push start this bike.

Each moto GP Event I have been to (only Indianapolis and Austin, Tx) there is Ducati Island (Ducati set up a nice area for Ducati owners to park and have some nice seats at the track.  Here is a shot on Ducati Island from the rea of the Observation tower.

Here is a panoramic shot I took from there.  On the right side you see turn 1 and on left you see turns 13 and part of 14. 

Below are a few shots from the track walk after the practice runs on Day 1.

During the track walk I took this shot from one of the starting grid positions at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

This shot was taken during the public track walk after day one practice.  From the start  line to turn one there is a 133 foot climb in elevation.  Ok so that doesn't seem like a lot but let me know bad your quads and calfs are burning when you reach the top.

Once the qualifying sessions were done I followed a a crowed of people and ended up going to a rider Q&A session.  Unfortunately, I did not get an autograph because I didn't  have a wristband, but here are a couple of shots I got from that Q&A session.

Columbian MotoGP rider Yonny Hernandez tosses a signed hat back to a fan at Circuit of the Americas riders Q&A session.

MotoGP fan favorite Valention Rossi waves to the crowd.

I had a chance to meet an interesting lady in the vendor village.  There was a BMW S 1000 RR that caught my attention.  While looking in the bike I noticed that there was a different type of mount for a GoPro mount by the handlebars. I asked if the owner of the bike was here and then I was introduced to the 5 time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson.  We had a chance to share some different riders stories and end the end I got an autograph from her.  Now even though she can go 210+mph on land, she has a fear of skydiving.   Well at least I have one up her on something.  To learn more about Valerie go to her site here and facebook fan page here.

Hope you enjoyed what you seen.

2@N

Torque Fest

Had an opportunity to shoot at the Torque Fest Drag Racing Event at the Central Illinois Dragway in Havana, IL. This drag strip is in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, its in the middle of nowhere. If you asked me how to get there; I'll tell you to drive till you see the CVS on your left hand side, hang a right there and follow the back roads for about 3 miles and it'll be on your right. This drag strip is in the middle of some corn fields. This night was only the test and tune runs (test and tune runs are when the racers are testing their vehicles in preparation for the race day on Saturday). The skies were clear, humidity low and the temperature was cool, which made it perfect conditions racing.

Peoria Grand Nationals Rally

The Peoria Grand Nationals event was this past Saturday on the Peoria River Front. The Grand Nationals TT are dirt bike track races held at the Peoria Motorcycle Club.  On Saturday morning there was a motorcycle parade that departs from the Peoria Motorcycle Club and ends on the Peoria Riverfront.  At the riverfront there is a bike show, vendors, and bands performing.

It was a not an easy day shooting because of the crowds and the sun beaming down.  This year I did not make the parade because I woke up late.  I rode down to University and Main street and they had it blocked off.  The officer at the patrolling intersection did not let me join the parade.  It's like dude, come on, I'm on a bike just let me in.  After I was denied access to the join the parade, I made a U-turn and hopped on 74, and went to the riverfront.

I met a guy named Terry who was talking with a buddy of mine who had his bike in the bike show.  Below is a shot of Terry's 1999 Harley Davidson Road King.

View fullsize

A 1999 Harley Davidson Road King at the Peoria Grand Nationals Rally bike show in Peoria, IL

Below is a shot of my buddy's bike that I mentioned earlier.  It is a custom 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa. 

View fullsize

A custom 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa at the Peoria Grand Nationals Bike Rally in Peoria, IL

Later on that day I met a guy named TJ at his booth at the Grand Nationals rally.  TJ is artist that will draw, paint, and airbrush just about anything and everything. He really does, well according to his Facebook page.  One of the first bike I saw at his booth was a 2007 Harley Davidson Street Bob.  He told me that bike gets a lot of attention, and it did.  He told me that the bike is named, "Nightmare".  Below are several shots of his work.

A shot of a 2007 Harley Davidson Street Bob named "Nightmare"

A shot looking down of the back of "Nightmare", a 2007 Harley Davidson Street Bob.

A shot looking down on a gas tank painted by TJ Byard Designs. 

A shot looking at the left side of a gas tank painted by TJ Byard Designs. 

Another friend of mine had a booth set up in the vendor section of the Grand Nationals Rally.  Outside of his booth, he had several bikes around. If you are needing motorcycle gear or parts.  Check out Extreme Kempy.  Below are a few shots of the bikes at his booth. 

A custom 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa sits outside of the Extreme Kempy booth at the Peoria Grand Nationals Rally in Peoria, IL. 

A Can-Am named "Cow-Am" sits out side the Extreme Kempy Booth at the Peoria Grand Nationals Bike Rally in Peoria, IL

Keep seeing motorcycles! 

2@N

UnDead Icons

One Sunday afternoon a few of my 2 wheeling friends decided to take a trip up Pontiac, IL to check out the Absolute Perfections Car Club Car show. Team Undead Icons was there performing stunts on the Pontiac High School parking lot. While there I met one of the members and asked if I can take a few photos of them performing. I got to give a shout out to Team Undead Icons for allowing me to take some shots.

To know more about the stunters click here-> Team Undead Icons 

Enjoy

2@n