I began driving west, away from the weather system named Henri on Saturday, August 22nd. My nine week old daughter and I arrived in Corning that night and settled into the Radisson, a short walk from the Corning Museum of Glass. If I was traveling out of harms way, I wanted to be inspired!
The last inspiring Hurricane that I can recall was Hurricane Ike, marking the beginning of the MotoGP project. I was so excited while photographing during this extraordinary weather event that Bruce had to remind me not to point our 400mm rented lens into the wind and rain! I could hardly believe that the race was still on, Ike coming inland towards the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The riders carefully balanced their machines over the wet track and through incredible crosswinds. Mindful awareness and focused concentration unparalleled. So when nine times world champion, Valentino Rossi announced his retirement after the summer break this year, I thought about a motorcycle racing era that I have come to understand as an intrinsic part of my art career; 16 seasons and an unwavering dedication to the work.
I look forward to sharing it with you!