Cenni Crash - Mikes Race Photo

[havahockey]

Mike got a bitchen sequence of Cenni's crash today.


LETS SEE IT MIKE!!!

[Bink Designs]

I posted a few up from the crash on the photos page I put up.. Here are a few.. I also have a pretty good sequence of it. Let's see it Mike!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/binkjuice/CV%20Round%205%20Sunday/corr5_sun_roll1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/binkjuice/CV%20Round%205%20Sunday/corr5_sun_roll2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/binkjuice/CV%20Round%205%20Sunday/corr5_sun_roll3.jpg

[Big Hock]

I'm just going off those pics, and this will probably get edited, but HOLY SHIOT!!!!! Cenni was like 20 feet in the air! I'm super stoked he's okay! I havent seen any video yet, but goddamn, that looks insane. SO GLAD hes okay!

[Mary Kay]

HOLY SMACK!

I am glad he is ok, he is a nice person. Kudos goes out to Case and the team for making such a strong truck to take that kind of ride.

[Kritter]

In Cenni's post accident interview later in the day he said the D-Cel saved his life. Mike's sequence is incredible and he better put it in a huge poster size sequence with a nice price tag as plenty of people will want it.

Same type of crash as the one at Primm a few weeks back but double the speed and a huge elevation change!

[pappawheely]

Thanks JZ, I'm working at my "real job" right now. the one that pays the bills. I will have them up tonight. I am so glad Adrian is OK. That was one of the worst wrecks I have ever seen. Nice shots Bink!

[bomber]

Wow that first pic is crazy looking. Glad he is ok.

[movindirt]

Looks like one crazy ride! Great pics Bink! Glad Adrian walk away from that. Don't know him but from what I have seen he seems to be a true racer.

[racechick]

In an interview during the last race of the day that the announcer did with Adrian, he said the D-Cell saved his life.

[bajabrit]

I'm just going off those pics, and this will probably get edited, but HOLY SHIOT!!!!! Cenni was like 20 feet in the air! I'm super stoked he's okay! I havent seen any video yet, but goddamn, that looks insane. SO GLAD hes okay!

Video of Adrian's crash is up on www.Dirtnewz.com now, it's amazing that he climbed out of his truck so quickly!

[CaptinCrash]

i don't see the mikes race photos shots

[Socal Dez Addict]

Mikes Photos were incredible, give him time and you'll get to see them.

[pappawheely]

Sorry for the delay, I put them up on my site and am posting the link so you can use my slideshow feature. Just pick on the first thumbnail and then pick slideshow at the top left of the picture. :)


http://mikesracephoto.exposuremanager.com/g/chula_vista__9-07_

[Mary Kay]

Video of Adrian's crash is up on www.Dirtnewz.com now, it's amazing that he climbed out of his truck so quickly!

a must see...great video

[450grl]

Those pics are amazing.....the way the dirt is just exploding out of the cab is crazy....

[Inland Hills Photo]

Killer pics Mike!

[katelyn]

the d-cell did it's job, it was the guys(Case Gunderson, Trad,Bruce,Kenny and Curt) at race-fab who built the truck that saved his life!

[DanDan]

Great shots Mike.

[Bink Designs]

Awesome shots Mike! I'll have to post all of mine tonight..

[EASTCOAST DUKE]

How fast was he going there,the way he whipped up after the rear dug in was intense!!!

[NicksTrix]

wow that's a scary site to see & experience i'm sure.
glad to hear he was wearing a head restraint.
looking at the pictures, it's great to see he kept his hands on the steering wheel from what i can pick up from the pictures.
curious if any of the guys wear arm restraints or use a roof net. if he got knocked out his arms could have got crushed.
there could really be body parts flying then. yuk!

most important, he'll race another day.
great pictures guys. thanks for sharing.

[CaptinCrash]

Alsome shots mike

[midwestconxtion]

That crash was insane to see. The entire stands seemed to go silent when he came to a stop. It was amazing to see him walk away from that. They don't call him "Wildman" for nothin'!!

At the pace that race was going I think it was inevitable that someone was going to underestimate Fig Mountain. It looked like Huseman was getting close to the point of no return a couple times, but then leave it to Cenni to deliver!

I think it was that same race that Douglas rode the k-rail at the finish line and almost took out a camera man! What a weekend of racing! I can't wait to see this on NBC October 14th at 2:30 (EST)!!

[Big Hock]

Didn't someone say there was video of the Douglas vs. Photographers incident?

[mark@PhotoAhead]

Great shots Mike & Bink!
Got it from every angle.

[Mary Kay]

WOW Mike, great shots.

[JenDiggityDirt]

How fast was he going there,the way he whipped up after the rear dug in was intense!!!

32 feet/sec squared.

[Steve_Naughton]

Nice photos Mike! ...right place at the right time. You can see my in-car camera equiptment attached to the mesh screen.

[450grl]

Do you have video of that?? Please say yes!

[DanDan]

Do you have video of that?? Please say yes!

dirtnewz.com has their video up on the home page.

[handmethemic]

32 feet/sec squared.

That's not a velocity that's a rate of acceleration.

I hate myself for remembering physics.

[450grl]

Yeah, I saw that video....I want to see the in-car stuff........:eek:

[Steve_Naughton]

Do you have video of that?? Please say yes!

I have really good footage of the entire crash from the stands, but the in-car cam stopped working right about here:

http://idisk.mac.com/steve_n-Public/cenni-crash.jpg

[Kritter]

That's not a velocity that's a rate of acceleration.

I hate myself for remembering physics.

if you want to get even pickier they asked for speed, not velocity. Just playin Jen

[movindirt]

I have really good footage of the entire crash from the stands, but the in-car cam stopped working right about here:

http://idisk.mac.com/steve_n-Public/cenni-crash.jpg

Bummer, hate when that happens. Are you using tape or soild state?

[pappawheely]

sux Steve, I wondered whose camera that was. :(

[bajabrit]

Didn't someone say there was video of the Douglas vs. Photographers incident?

SPEED has it, it was replayed over & over on the jumbotron...that guy is LUCKY!! Same guy that almost got hit by Foddril when he landed on the truck!!

[Steve_Naughton]

sux Steve, I wondered whose camera that was. :(

It's ok, I got the extended warranty.

[Steve_Naughton]

SPEED has it, it was replayed over & over on the jumbotron...that guy is LUCKY!! Same guy that almost got hit by Foddril when he landed on the truck!!

The Speed footage of Douglas's truck coming toward the media guy was the craziest thing I've ever seen, like a scene from a Hollywood movie.

The thing that sucks about this is CORR is going to review that footage and probably make more restrictions for media people....less media allowed on track, more restricted areas, etc..

[michael_loomis]

The Speed footage of Douglas's truck coming toward the media guy was the craziest thing I've ever seen, like a scene from a Hollywood movie.

The thing that sucks about this is CORR is going to review that footage and probably make more restrictions for media people....less media allowed on track, more restricted areas, etc..

does it really suck that bad? they could always wait till after one of you media types gets beheaded by a race vehicle to make the changes, but that would probably mean you media types would have a lot less to cover. just a thought.

[Steve_Naughton]

does it really suck that bad?

no it doesn't really suck that bad.

[450grl]

I usually get media passes to events - I prefer infield for taking pics, of course.....but this is honestly one series I just don't want to be out there.....you just never know, and those trucks are going so fast, and have so much power.....I'm surprised at how well a few of those drivers were able to stop themselves in the front section there, when they would get out of shape and head for the podium! Maybe they need to set up some infield towers or something - being on the ground with nothing between you and a ton of flying metal just doesn't seem fun. But it DOES make for some fantastic pics!

[JenDiggityDirt]

That's not a velocity that's a rate of acceleration.

I hate myself for remembering physics.


if you want to get even pickier they asked for speed, not velocity. Just playin Jen

*sigh*
I wish Greg would remember to change screen names before he goes trying to be a smart ***.

Personally, I hate math. :P

[pappawheely]

does it really suck that bad? they could always wait till after one of you media types gets beheaded by a race vehicle to make the changes, but that would probably mean you media types would have a lot less to cover. just a thought.

It is bad when people like myself who have years of experience have to sit in the kiddie pool because a newbie got hurt. Not everyone should be allowed on the track. The track is dangerous and no place is totally safe. You have to anticipate the danger and avoid it. We all take risk but we are not stupid. Ignorance will get you hurt.

[DanDan]

It is bad when people like myself who have years of experience have to sit in the kiddie pool because a newbie got hurt. Not everyone should be allowed on the track. The track is dangerous and no place is totally safe. You have to anticipate the danger and avoid it. We all take risk but we are not stupid. Ignorance will get you hurt.

I agree. He violated my primary rule. Do not turn your back to oncoming race vehicles. I want to get the shots as well but it's not worth my life. If I have an assistant to watch my back, I will hang with the action but that is the only way.

[Bill]

was he shooting something else or did he just have his back to the race?You can`t look every where.

[DanDan]

was he shooting something else or did he just have his back to the race?You can`t look every where.

A couple of trucks up front were leaning on each other down the front straight and he was following them into the first turn. He had his back turned and didn't know Douglas was there until he saw the shadow from the truck.

[Steve_Naughton]

was he shooting something else or did he just have his back to the race?You can`t look every where.

He was just looking down the front straightaway, and he was right up against the k-rail with his back turned to oncoming trucks. Had he been off the k-rail 10 ft or so then it wouldn't of been that big of a deal.

The speed tv footage of that whole incident is great. CORR ought to post just that clip on YouTube because it's the type of video that would probably get a million views (probably better ratings than the actual tv show, though not as much as the "Battle at Kruger")

[michael_loomis]

I dont mean to talk bad about anyone or point any fingers, it just seems that "Media" have popped out of nowhere. Its almost as all I have to do to get on the track is call up CORR and say, "Ya, I need Media credentials for this DVD Documentary I shooting" and they say here ya go.

Its just really gonna suck if one of these "newbs" gets taken out and were all stuck at home watching roundy rounds on sundays.

[Bryan_Harrold]

does it really suck that bad? they could always wait till after one of you media types gets beheaded by a race vehicle to make the changes, but that would probably mean you media types would have a lot less to cover. just a thought.

Actually it does suck for a number of reasons:
1. I am pretty sure that was an area that no media were supposed to be in
2. He's ruining it for the rest of us
3. I (a legitimate media person) as well as numerous others, were unable to get track access because there are too many people on the track, many of which shouldn't even be there like that guy.

The problem isn't the rules and restrictions that we already have to follow, its the guys out of place that ruin it for everyone else that don't know what they are doing or aren't paying attention. That's what sucks.

[Steve_Naughton]

Its just really gonna suck if one of these "newbs" gets taken out and were all stuck at home watching roundy rounds on sundays.

I don't think you'll be stuck watching "roundy rounds" on sundays if a "newb" get's taken out at a corr race. But there's nothing wrong with talking about safety. It's definitely very possible for someone (either in the stands or on the track) to get badly injured or killed ..and there definitely was some close calls at Chula ..I may even have video of it.

[midwestconxtion]

I hope this kind of thing doesn't ruin it for people like Steve, Bryan, Mike and their respective crews, who use a little of that grey stuff Cenni rattled around up there! Just from viewing the posts, people (myself included) appreciate the photos and videos these guys produce.

[Steve_Naughton]

Cennis steering wheel

[ace_photo]

That was that guys first time out there and it will be his last according to CORR.

I shoot a race almost every weekend and CORR always stesses me out. It's no place for an amateur. And i don't mean a amateur photog just a amateur anything. Course worker, official, racer, whatever. You will get your as$ killed if you don't know what your doing.

I learned at a very young age after my mom slapped me in the back of the head and yelled at me "Never turn your back to the race" for dorkin around in our pit. I never forgot that one and she'd still kick my as$ for doin somethin stupid like that.!

If you must and I have, shoot with the race going behind you buddy up with someone and at least that way you have somone watching your back.

Judging from his gear (sony point and shoot) , he was not a pro and no business being on the track. If his "magazine" needed photos of this event they should buy them from the official photographers for CORR. Not send their guy to what could have easily been his death. Just not worth it..

My .02

Art-

Here are two photos. The first he hadn't seen the truck yet and the second was his reaction. He had no clue that he almost made the evening news.

[450grl]

Cennis steering wheel


Oh wow....someone was definately hanging on tight!! :eek:

[ace_photo]

This is from Fidel Gonzales's site.. Could be useful for some people-

OFF-ROAD RACE PHOTOGRAPHER 101 - Know When To Shoot And When To Scoot

While it'll get your blood pumping with excitement, photographing motorsport events, especially off-road races or rock crawling competitions, can be far more dangerous than your average day on assignment for some glossy print magazine or inter-city newspaper. Sure, while shooting dolled-up runway models, drive by shootings or administering a smackdown on some thug gang members with an old Nikon FM2N does present its share of danger, I'd prefer my remaining days on this earth dodging rogue Trophy Trucks, out of control Class 11 bugs or dodging loose tire and wheel ejected from a Class 8 trucks at speed.

Since I've been subject to all of the aforementioned dangers of serving as a professional staff and contract (stringer) photographer for newspapers, magazines, marketing agencies, advertising agencies and manufacturers, photographing off-road desert racing is amid the most dangerous details I've been assigned to. In spite of this, I can't say I'll be giving up my ambitions for photographing off-road racing anytime soon, since my addiction to dirt far outweighs my ambitions for fame and fortune in the average world of a snapping pictures as a pro photographer.

Just why is off-road racing far more dangerous than shooting pictures at many other motorsport events? Well, there are just too many life-threatening variables. Tires and equipment failure at speed are the norm. Terrain can be extremely difficult. Snake bites are just one rock away. Mine shafts seem to follow the blind. Visibility due to dust can be next to nothing. And in the event of an injury, communication can be difficult and medical attention often very far away over extremely rough terrain.

The bottom line is it's tough to make a living as a photographer in the rough of off-road racing and even rock crawling. When you're only as good as your last shot, that last shot could easily cost you your life, cost an aspiring driver his career and even his sanity, land a detrimental lawsuit into the lap of a promoter and put a quick end to the great freedom seasoned photographers and spectators have enjoyed in the past.

With the huge influx of new ameteur and professional photographers entering into the off-road racing scene, it often baffles seasoned veterans of the dirt as to how easily these newbies can stumble onto the course with a camera in hand. Now let's get it straight, I'm not aiming to bash anyone in order to excommunicate them from the scene and ultimately create a monopoly on off-road race photography with a slew of ensuing restrictions. I'm merely looking to educate those less experienced with potentially life-saving information. Likewise, I am looking to bring attention to the ignorance of photographers and sanctioning bodies alike. It is my belief that as our sport grows, at least a simple note of caution and a general media guideline of conduct should should be provided by sanctioning bodies. This way, newbies may learn to save their own life and veterans can be reminded how they've managed to live through the thrill of life as an off-road race photographer.

The worse thing to have happen is a proud internationally known magazine photographer step into the arena and end up dead because of his ignorance. Another concern might be that because of his lack of respect for our sport, its environment, its culture and its extended cultures, his actions or ignorance reflect poorly on the people who are devout to its integrity. Therefore, let's begin with a relatively quick safety checklist with many of the basic desert survival techniques removed.

OFF-ROAD RACE PHOTOGRAPHER SAFETY CHECKLIST

ESCAPE ROUTE - Always have at least one quick and definite escape route to some form of safety.

RECKLESS and AMATUERS - Beware of reckless drivers such as ametuers or overambitious drivers who race an entire 500-mile race within the first five miles off the start.

SIDE SHOTS ARE SAFEST - Side shots of the vehicle (dirt bike / ATV / motorcycle / truck / buggy / UTV) are usually the safest, since they are generally not coming directly at you.

HEAD-ON and THREE-QUARTER SHOTS - Head-on and three-quarter shots are inherently dangerous, especially if extreme speed and short lenses are used.

DANGEROUS ROOST - Beware when standing on the outside and at the beginning of a turn, since extreme roost produced from throttle could launch rock and debris at you, which is why I also recommend keeping the camera at a slight distance in front of your face with the thumbs serving as a potential cushion from an impact with the camera.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: I was on my way out from shooting a jump behind the the high school at the 1996 Laughlin Desert Challenge when I began making my way back to the vehicle to head to the next spot. The turn at the corner of the fence was looking good for roost effect. Jeff Lewis was hot on the throttle in the sand and sent some thumbnail-sized rocks at the lense, making for a decent shot but only costing a few bucks for a replacement lens filter rather than the few thousand dollars it would cost to fix my forehead.

DRIVERS BLINDED BY THE SUN - Know that shooting with the sun at your back, particularly in the early morning and late in the day, is very dangerous, especially when shooting three-quarter or head on shots, since the driver is often blinded by the sun.

EQUIPMENT FAILURE - Tire and equipment failure can easily turn a seemingly safe situation to turn deadly.

BOTH EYES WIDE OPEN - Always shoot with both eyes open so that you can actually see what is going on beyond the confines of your lens and in your periphery.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: At a SODA race at Crandon International Raceway in the final years of Jean Calvin's reign on off-road racing, Scott Douglas was busy launching the Rancho Suspension jump in front of me when Jimmie Johnson's truck broke blindly through the dust just after the finish line turn. From the corner of my eye, I was giving the sign to scoot. Transmission woes were among his troubles, and he still owes me dinner.

THE GUILLOTINE - Even at a distance, shooting at a barbed wire fence can be extremely dangerous, since one bad move on the vehicle's end can rip the wire from the post and turn it into a guillotine. This can occur withany type of fence or object to similar results.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: Ed Filijan occasionally refers to a cattle guard fence line at a Baja course long ago when a Trophy Truck was heavy on the gas with a flat tire. Each time the driver adjusted the throttle, the truck's *** end swung wide. Seeing danger, Ed jumped in front of the fence before the truck had a chance to guillotine him with the wire.

RUNNING SHOES - Wear your running shoes and be healthy and quick enough to use them. Sandles or open toed shoes are downright stupid in most cases. While boots are often warranted in rough terrain, keep in mind, they can slow you down when speed is what you might need to stay alive.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: 2007 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge???

DANGEROUS DUST - When there is too much dust or silt to see, listen very carefully while immediately utilizing your escape route. If you can't see the vehicles, they cannot see you. If you cannot hear the vehicles, you don't know where which route to jump for safety.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: Jimmy Messick was driving a Class two-seat 1600 buggy at a Baja 500 before he was old enough to shave. Even at that age, he was a phenomenal driver, but on this particular section of course, high in the hills above Guadalupe Wash, the dust was thick and looming long from the lack of wind. After a Protruck made its way by, visibility was less than a foot. Listening carefully, though, I barely heard a 1600 car directly in the Protruck's wake. Just then, I jumped to my right, hearing a huge thud to my side. Messick and his side kick launched deep into an eight-foot trench that saved my *** from peril. The scene made for a quick photo op and a few bad jokes that were quite funny at the time. I then enlisted my trusty Jeep Cherokee XJ to extract the buggy and sent it on its way. That was the year there was a huge pile up shortly down the course at a nasty silt bed. And it was the same year that I nabbed photos of the Herbst helicopter making a landing beside a vehicle that was said to be in need of an alternator.

SHORT and DEADLY - Short course races such as Crandon are extremely dangerous locations to shoot. Vehicles and deadly roost can come from any direction.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: While again shooting the old Rancho Suspension jump at Crandon, I always enjoyed the safety of standing next to the post downrange for protection from projectiles that come from roosting the turn at my back. When not standing at the post for a head on shot, I make an attempt to stand a bit closer to the track, allowing other photographers to crowd behind and serves as protection. And when not actually tracking vehicles in front of me and pulling the trigger, I turn my attention to the action. Well, one day, an unnamed and seasoned photographer opted as usual to continue talking up the length of his lense. Instead of watching for the roost, he served as my body guard from a palm-sized rock lobbed from a Pro2 truck. The blow to his head caused a slight gash and humbled him a bit. The following day, Curt LeDuc was hot on his way to victory just past the finish on his final lap. As he made the sweeping turn, his Ford F-150 fired a pumpkin-sized boulder in between two photographers standing arms-length apart.WOW!!!

DROP and PRAY - When the situation warrants and you're going to be hit by a larger truck or buggy, drop face down in the center line of the vehicle's direction, and protect your head with the back of your hands. Tires are more forgiving than a nerf bar, and chances are you'll get luck and have the high profile truck or buggy roll over you unscathed.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: The gruesome scene of the video shooter at the SCORE Fireworks race circa 1995 quickly comes to mind. Wasn't it the legendary Walker Evans who had to live with that one? I think he was dicing it up with Ivan "Ironman" Stewart there near start finish.

FLY HIGH FOR A TACKLE - When the situation warrants and you're going to be hit by a motorcycle, dirt bike or ATV, in most cases you'll want to jump high and wide to avoid the wrath of the vehicle. While it very well be an excellent form of immediate revenge, aiming for a chest tackle of the rider may be the safest and even the most pleasing action to take.

SEEK DANGER ON YOUR TERMS - It is always good to know your surroundings and in this case your photo location. Because many races begin at first light, performing a prerun the day before while the light is good is always a good idea. Keep an eye out for mine shafts, snake pits, mad dogs, armed and angry land owners, potentially drunk and violent spectators, cactus, cliffs, glass, barbed wire or anything you can inadvertently step on or could keep you from outrunning death by horsepower.
NOTED EXPERIENCE: The girl at a Best In The Desert (BITD) race who fell to her death in mine shaft quickly comes to mind. Her and her dad were experienced with the dangers of the area, including mine shafts. Doing an extensive prerun of the extended area of operation could save a life.

BE SEEN - While wearing a blaze orange vest is overrated and unfortunately the full extent of safety precautions some promoters take on behalf of photographer safety, it may save your life by helping a driver or rider to see where he or she should not go.

[pappawheely]

Nice post Art. Fidel knows all the rules cause he has broken every one. :D

[Mary Kay]

Cennis steering wheel

hey steve when do we get to see your next video????

[ace_photo]

Nice post Art. Fidel knows all the rules cause he has broken every one. :D

Ha ha , very true...

[Mike Hobbs]

I agree 100% with you Mike! At least CORR let's you in the kiddie pool, they won't even return an email from me.


It is bad when people like myself who have years of experience have to sit in the kiddie pool because a newbie got hurt. Not everyone should be allowed on the track. The track is dangerous and no place is totally safe. You have to anticipate the danger and avoid it. We all take risk but we are not stupid. Ignorance will get you hurt.

[pappawheely]

I don't know what the criteria is for getting track access but sometimes I wonder if some people have snookered their way in. Someone had mentioned before that maybe we need a media meeting before the racing begins to help out legitimate but maybe inexperienced first timers. I have shot many dangerous types of racing like sprintcars and speedway motorcycles but Corr is definately the most dangerous. Did anyone see the banner guys drive on the blind side of a jump just as the trophy Kart field came around on their first lap? A few seconds later and they could have been badly injured, by Trophy Karts. There is a term "situational awareness" if you don't got it you don't belong on any track.

[Kritter]

Cennis steering wheel

Things to pack:
Bring spare steering wheel...check

[Pro2-54]

Things to pack:
Bring spare steering wheel...check

Bring spare truck to attatch to steering wheel. check.
make sure throttle bone is connected to the brain bone. check.

[hoeker]

Things to pack:
Bring spare steering wheel...check

i've carried a spare steering wheel for several years now

[WickedGravityVideo]

I want to offer my testimony that the Trophy Karts are ALSO very dangerous! -- I almost had my legs cut out (at the least) this weekend by an overzealous TK driver, off course, on the gas, with no braking or steering away from me. I pushed myself off the hood, so I wouldn't be a TK hood ornament! I haven't had my heartrate up over 200bpm in quite a while!!! I am trying to get video of this close call and will post it --- oh, yeah, one other thing --- GO ROBBY GORDON -- WIN 40th Baja 1.3k !!!

[pappawheely]

overzealous TK driver, off course, on the gas, with no braking or steering away from me.

Doug, They are kids, You obviously have never driven anything in the dirt. You are the pefect example of someone who should not be on the track. Several karts got out of shape and headed in your direction before that incident. It was a bad spot but you stayed there and when the inevitable happend you blame the driver. :confused:

[handmethemic]

I remember being on the track in Bark River in '06 shooting some video. That was gnarly enough for me... I don't think I could do that every weekend, for a job. And Bark River is wide open enough that there are a lot of (relatively) safe spots. Hats off to all the people brave enough to be out there all the time.

[jonathanb]

To be inbetween two straightaways isnt a good idea. Even if you are on top of a big berm. Your back should never be turned to any moving vehicle on the track. There is video of it in the video that Steve Naughton posted.

[SoCalinMotion]

A couple things that I learned real quick when covering motorsports.....

#1 The "shot" is not worth risking life or limb for!

#2 Keep both eyes open

#3 Have an escape route

#4 If you have never shot the event before ask questions

____________________

I have to agree that there are people (media) in the infield that have no right to be there.... If you media should you really be shooting a point and shoot? or even really a kit camera? leave it to the people that know what they are doing.

[ace_photo]

I don't know what the criteria is for getting track access but sometimes I wonder if some people have snookered their way in. Someone had mentioned before that maybe we need a media meeting before the racing begins to help out legitimate but maybe inexperienced first timers. I have shot many dangerous types of racing like sprintcars and speedway motorcycles but Corr is definately the most dangerous. Did anyone see the banner guys drive on the blind side of a jump just as the trophy Kart field came around on their first lap? A few seconds later and they could have been badly injured, by Trophy Karts. There is a term "situational awareness" if you don't got it you don't belong on any track.


Doug, They are kids, You obviously have never driven anything in the dirt. You are the pefect example of someone who should not be on the track. Several karts got out of shape and headed in your direction before that incident. It was a bad spot but you stayed there and when the inevitable happend you blame the driver. :confused:

You nailed it Mike! "situational awareness" is right! If you don't realize that there is NO place safe on the course then you shouldn't be out there at all! Even when they come in for the podium you can still get run down.

They're not looking out for you. They're racing, they only see whats in front of them, so you can't blame the racers. If you can't deal with the responsibility of that then don't shoot off road racing, do something else. This **** ain't fun and games, it takes balls to stand out there knowing that one wrong turn and your done.

Don't get me wrong I try to be safe as possible out there, but they do make you sign a waiver for a reason...

Oh and YES there should be a media safety meeting before the race/event. Just like a drivers meeting, if your not there then your assed out. I've pushed for this a few times but nothing has happend yet.

Art-

[havahockey]

I talked to Deanne the other day and mentioned the media meeting to her and she liked the idea. I think we'll see it for Texas and Primm, and I think it'll be mandatory.

[mark@PhotoAhead]

if your camera and all your gear fit in your pants pocket stay in the stands

CORR and Laughlin

[WickedGravityVideo]

Doug, They are kids, You obviously have never driven anything in the dirt. You are the pefect example of someone who should not be on the track. Several karts got out of shape and headed in your direction before that incident. It was a bad spot but you stayed there and when the inevitable happend you blame the driver. :confused:

Your alleged expertise on my life experience is baffling -- how can you (incorrectly) say that I have obviously never driven anyting in the dirt? How can you affirm that I am a "perfect example of someone who should not be on the track"? You can call me and talk to me in person, like a man 970-243-5882. I was in an insecure postion, true -- I am not blaming the driver -- I am not placing blame -- my intention was to share the danger of being out on the course, almost anywhere around the action.

[BANNED4LIFE]

doug is a friend of "PISTOLVISION' and he is basically expendable so he stays!!!!!!! back off mike...hahahahaha

[pappawheely]

Sorry Pete, but Doug routinely walks right in front of everyone without even looking (situational awareness). Then he blames a sweet innocent little kid just because he tried to run him over. I also caught him flooding the carb on my 70 when he thought I was'nt looking.

[Scott_Smith]

Sorry Pete, but Doug routinely walks right in front of everyone without even looking (situational awareness). Then he blames a sweet innocent little kid just because he tried to run him over. I also caught him flooding the carb on my 70 when he thought I was'nt looking.

I heard he pulled your spark plug wire off of your 70 and watched you try to kick start it over and over again..... OOOO wait that was me

[mark@PhotoAhead]

who has the pictures of mike on the 70

[pappawheely]

Mark, my tie is getting tight again.

[mark@PhotoAhead]

Mark, my tie is getting tight again.

LOL , Sorry I'm weak and couldn't resist

[Curtis Guise]

I don't know what the criteria is for getting track access but sometimes I wonder if some people have snookered their way in.


This happens all the time Mike. Not only CORR but at SCORE events also. That's why it has been getting worse over the years for the guys that should be out there filming a shooting photos.

I took this shot 20' in from the edge of the track (in an area for media) and thought I was going to die. Needless to say I was allot more careful and stayed farther from the track than usual after that.
http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27241&d=1191162912

[BANNED4LIFE]

Your alleged expertise on my life experience is baffling -- how can you (incorrectly) say that I have obviously never driven anyting in the dirt? How can you affirm that I am a "perfect example of someone who should not be on the track"? You can call me and talk to me in person, like a man 970-243-5882. I was in an insecure postion, true -- I am not blaming the driver -- I am not placing blame -- my intention was to share the danger of being out on the course, almost anywhere around the action.

back it down doug!!!!

[Bill]

Mike you need to relax and enjoy life more.

[WickedGravityVideo]

back it down doug!!!!

I took my medications and a fifth of vodka -- I am much better now, Pete!!! Hey, man, I hear you are trying to get a seat in a rock crawler this weekend! I might have to come down for that show! Shannon Campbell's rig?

To those that don't want "small" media guys on the track: You are actually stating that you don't want independently produced dvds. That is what I do out there -- try to get the best video shots for an independently produced race dvd for the enjoyment of those that could not be present (and those that are there, too). No track access -- no video dvds!

Additionally, it is mistaken to judge the quality of video/stills by the size of the equipment -- my tiny handheld is HD and my footage is used on the nationally televised SCORE shows. You can go ahead and say my manhood is small, but rag on my tiny camcorder and hot damn -- the sparks will fly!!! haha

[Fidel]

The *** end on that truck was bucking like a mule with vise grips wrapped around its wiener.

I don't know the track from last year, but the shocks seem to have been at least one culprit in the snafu. But, there does seem to be a little kicker jump just prior that wreck that appears to be yet another serious no-no with that has been found upon that course.

Wow. Greaves is getting a bit aged and still kicking ***. He's no longer sporting the baby face of the 90s. Good guy. Great racer.

As for the small-time photo dudes and video squids, lynch them all and make way for corporate enterprise (I'm semi-joking here. So don't get your heart all choked up on us. The soap opera has enough sob stories.). To some extent throughout the arena of off-road racing, the lack of media and media management experience as well as the lack of bona fide main stream media interest in the sport will allow just about anything onto the track - even if its a def, dumb and blind man that plays the mean pin ball.

And Doug, dude, Pete appears to have you on a choke chain. What's up with that?

[ace_photo]

Hey Fidel, where the hell have you been? Decided to grace us with your presence? haha

Still got that bike for sale? Hit me up..

Art-

[jonathanb]

Hey wickedgravityvideo from what I understand you have had a bad year out there this year. Werent you the one that got hit in the eye by a rock at Pomona and used a Maxxis sticker as a patch.

[WickedGravityVideo]

Hey wickedgravityvideo from what I understand you have had a bad year out there this year. Werent you the one that got hit in the eye by a rock at Pomona and used a Maxxis sticker as a patch.

GUILTY as charged!!! I was about 50 feet from the course and above it at Pomona. The rock flew out FORWARD from a Pro4 truck and got me right in the eyesocket!!! That medicated MAXXIS sticker saved my eyesight! (hear that Maxxis sponsor dudes? - what a plug!!!) Again, I blame the trophy karts for that incident, too!!! hahaha

[jonathanb]

Good to hear that the eye is ok. Sounds like you owe Kreighton for saving it.

[Fidel]

Hey Fidel, where the hell have you been? Decided to grace us with your presence? haha

Still got that bike for sale? Hit me up..

Art-

Hunkered down behind a computer screen and occasionally behind a camera - mostly the web / writing thing. I've snooped around a few desert races recently but mostly D37 stuff as an effort to enjoy life.

Haven't crashed on the bike in nearly three years. Though, I did lay it down in a rock garden about a month ago between here and Palmdale and later nearly killed myself passing a buddy in the dust to find there was a washout -- that I was fortunate enough to clear. It's a good thing I was packing my cape. Is it for sale? Sure, if you're still interested in it, it's yours. It needs a new plate, through, if you want it street legal.

Interesting enough, I was looking up Ed's phone number and just below his site, the reference to him in this thread showed up. That's how I managed to wander in without warning.

We'll catch up soon.