The 2017 Grand Prix of Long Beach
The very first “big time” race I ever attended was the 2002 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. That was 15 years ago. I remember seeing media photographers inside the hairpin, photographing Paul Tracy from over the top of his helmet as he wrapped around the narrow concrete barrier onto Shoreline Avenue, the front straight away. I fantasized about how cool that would be, and dreamed of being there one day.
This weekend, I was given the opportunity to shoot for a major agency. Shot lists, assigned jobs, deadlines, and the highest level of professionalism in the industry. Photos from our team were in the hands of auto manufacturers, racing teams, and global media outlets within a few short minutes of happening. My direction was “freelance, alternative looks.” With that, I was unleashed to explore IndyCar, IMSA, Pirelli World Challenge, historic CanAm, Super Stadium Trucks, and Motegi Drift. Here are some of my favorites.
The essence of the Grand Prix of Long Beach. A winding road course through downtown, the palm trees and Pacific Ocean, the Queen Mary, and crowds of people, all coming together for one of the most iconic IndyCar weekends of the year.
The 2017 IndyCar field rolls off the pits for race day warmups.
The Firestone Firehawk at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Fans as loud as racecars
Will Power prepares on the grid
Penske
Superstar Leona Lewis was among the crowd on pit lane during pre-race ceremonies
Josef Newgarden discusses handling characteristics with the telemetry group
James Hinchcliffe’s #5 gets some special tech attention
2016 IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud takes a moment to answer questions for media
Alexander Rossi steps into the Andretti Motorsports Napa #98 during pre-race ceremonies
Hinch shares final thoughts with crew before hearing the call, “Drivers, start your engines!”
Spectators in the nose bleeders
Fans cheer on Alexander Rossi through turn 6
Will Power and Josef Newgarden oppose each other down opposite sides of Shoreline Drive
Penske teammates Will Power and Simon Pagenaud
Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay
Graham Rahal attacks turn 2 furiously
Scott Dixon wore the NTT Data blue this week
Carlos Munoz through the shoot into turn 2
Graham Rahal so close, the fans can almost reach out and touch him.
Carlos Munoz rounds the fountain, turn 3
Ganassi driver Max Chilton wraps around the iconic turns 2 and 3
Reigning IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud navigates the fountain
Race winner James Hinchcliffe
Conor Daly helmet detail at speed
Graham Rahal leaves the fountain behind in a blur
The Penske pit crew in action
Josef Newgarden at speed
Ryan Hunter-Reay goes up on 3 wheels in turn 9
Smooth, collected, and fast. Josef Newgarden
The skyscraper apartment buildings of downtown Long Beach reflect down the nose of Graham Rahal’s polished racecar
Alexander Rossi
Will Power
Ryan Hunter-Reay up close, rounding turn 1 at the end of Shoreline Drive
Helio Castroneves overtakes JR Hildebrand in front of the crowd and ferris wheel
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