Jimmie Johnson Tribute 3 of 4 "Team"

November 16, 2020

We all realize that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and Jimmie Johnson's weakest link is hard to uncover. Working with the NKP (Nigel Kinrade Photography) team over the past few years covering Hendricks Motorsports I got to see up close the fanatical obsession needed to be in the top echelon of motorsports.

During the heart-throbbing 8-12 seconds of controlled chaos (the frenetic NASCAR pit stop), fractions of time equal places gained or points lost during a race. The time squandered during a tire change or refueling can never be regained, and races are won by hundredths of a second all the time. A driver relies on their crew to be the best they can be. Not only fast, but precise and meticulous, safe and thorough. A misaligned lug nut or a slip during fule delivery can be disastrous.

Jimmie Johnson spoke about how crucial his team was in his success and how fundamental they are to any long term career and goals. He knew it was the shoulders of the tire changers and engineers that he stood on in victory lane and the hands of his crew chief and gas man that held him high.

This is one of the things that shows the innate character of an athlete, knowing that even if you're the best you can be, you can be exponentially better with a great team working towards the lofty ideal of perfection. Please respect the fact that all images are ©2020

Jimmie Johnson Tribute 2 of 4 "The Man"

November 16, 2020

I can't say I "know" Jimmie Johnson, but I can say I have worked with him on several occasions. Our conversations usually consisted of something like "Jimmie, can you move a little to your left, please?" so that I could frame a meet and greet photo. Or, "Great race last week Jimmie." with his gentle response of, "Thanks man."

But I got to see into some of the areas that people don't get to witness. I've seen frustration display crimson across his face when practice times weren't acceptable, or the responsiveness of his racecar was lacking. I've seen hard looks of concern, and introspective stares when victories were allusive. Through these difficulties, I never saw his professionalism wane. He addressed problems as a member of a team with a common goal, and his emotions were set aside in the heat of the moment for the betterment of everyone.

With his fans, he interacted with genuine gratitude and kindness. I never saw him brush off anyone that asked politely for an autograph or a selfie. He played the role of hero magnanimously. Dealing with executives and guests of his sponsors he was always polite, ready to lend a helping hand, and happy to take the time to make people feel at ease.

His commitment to race craft was apparent in many ways. I have seen him returning from an early morning bike ride on race day as I arrived at the track, training to keep his body and mind sharp and on target. He spoke of this obsession often when addressing private groups, and he always seemed intent on making the best of every situation.

Jimmie Johnson’s Lowes Chevrolet covered in confetti after winning his seventh NASCAR championship

Jimmie Johnson Tribute 1 of 4

November 16, 2020

I'd like to spend a few moments reflecting on Jimmie Johnson

I think the best way to do that as a photographer, that got to cover a small part of his career, would be to show my favorite photos of him from the years since I was assigned to the NASCAR circuit.

Before I picked up a professional camera Jimmie Johnson was a regular talking point at family dinners hosted by my in-laws. They are a NASCAR family that takes pride in their favorite drivers, tell tales of miraculous come-from-behind victories, applaud the power of stock car racing, and also the finesse of a driver who could tame their wild ride. I have friends that only shop at Lowe's because that's who sponsored their hero and older friends that still speak of times before the "Chase format" accusing Jimmie Johnson of "working the system". I first saw him in person during the driver's meeting at Pocono Raceway in 2013, well along on his path in history. Please respect the fact that all images are copyrighted.

Swimming in the humidity, The Coke Zero 400, NASCAR at Daytona

September 2, 2020

My one and only NASCAR event this year took place last weekend at the self-proclaimed "World Center of Racing" Daytona International Speedway. I was apprehensive about working the race since I had found out that fans would be allowed to attend and that it was in Florida, during hurricane season.

Daytona is notorious for weather delays and postponements that can go on for days. Fan attendance was capped at 25 thousand for the Monster Energy Cup race, and in a venue that seats roughly 101,000, I didn't think it would be overly crowded, especially with social distancing being enforced. (I really should say suggested and not enforced).

Currently, photography is very limited at any NASCAR sanctioned event. There were only two people allowed from the media company that I work for. One person was allowed in the infield, and one (me) was mandated to remain outside of the track at all times. This means no access to the media center for me, and that I would be photographing from the stands, and editing in my car.

Daytona has a high fence all around the racetrack for reasons obvious to any fan who has watched racing at this famous 2.5-mile tri-oval super-speedway. Inevitably, late in a NASCAR race, there is a crash (usually titled "The Big One") that is both horrific and sensational. Occasionally the catch fence is the only thing between a 180 mile per hour race car flying through the air and the spectators.

Photographing through a fence isn't an ideal situation, but I understand the need for safety, so it is what it is. It was also a good reminder that great photos are made and not taken. Overcoming challenging situations is expected from professionals, and this was a good time to remind myself of what I had agreed to deliver, high-quality work with no excuses.

Xfinity series takes over Mid-Ohio

August 13, 2019

I think the Xfinity racers love road courses almost as much as I do, especially Mid-Ohio. The 2.25-mile course is full of elevation changes for great photo opportunities and there are plenty of long straights for drafting and overtaking to keep things exciting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a pass on an oval track but there's just something special about watching a technical maneuver being executed at high speeds during a knockdown drag-out fight for the lead through the twists and turns of an exciting country road course. In all honesty, wouldn't you rather take an exhilarating ride through the countryside than on a highway? Experiencing the feelings of the suspension compression at every turn, acceleration through the apex, speeding off to the next playful twist along the road to a far off destination is exhilarating and fulfilling.
Congratulations to Austin Cindric and Team Penske on their second win in the series, and coming directly after the first one this is a great accomplishment. I'm looking for him to be in a great position to win the championship. Enjoy some of my favorite pictures from the event.