Well, I was intending on putting this over in Evergreen Raceway's Facebook group like I normally do, but I ended up having to make an album here on my personal profile because I had too many photos to fit in one post...I guess that actually works out better because I'm pretty sure most of my friends have no idea I serendipitously got into motorsports photography this past summer so this will be a small glimpse of what I've been up to...
..And for the rest of you...
As the short track racing season winds down, I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the incredible individuals that make this place so special because if it weren't for you, none of this would even be.
Photographing people, especially people I've never met before up until half a year ago, has developed this paradoxical sort of relationship where I know nothing about you
but I know everything about you-
I've celebrated your victories,
I've lamented your defeats.
I've seen your faces light up with joy and clouded by frustrations.
I know the intense look of determination driven by your endeavors to always be the best you can be.
I've observed you work tirelessly for countless hours perfecting your trade that you've built from the ground up with blood, sweat and tears.
I've watched you get into altercations on the field- only to overlook an offense and treat your competitors as brothers again.
I see all the people calmly working in the background, seemingly oblivious to the commotion as they maintain order and keep everything running smoothly like the backstage crew of a theater.
I've witnessed firsthand comradery and teamwork unlike anything I've ever seen before by such a diverse group of individuals seamlessly running an exciting and competitive sport that otherwise would be utter chaos.
The result? This unique community of people from all different walks of life pursuing the same passion in a place that's more like a home away from home.
And along the way, I've gone from being a stranger to becoming an acquaintance and friend, cheering you on from the sidelines and the shadows.
On the outside, some might see the many faces of Evergreen Raceway as just a bunch of grungy, loud folks with a need for speed. But on the inside, I see the ever so talented, hard working American that takes pride in their trade and values God, family and country.
In an increasingly violent and turbulent world starved of love you're a breath of fresh air - a reminder of what humanity was meant to be - imperfect but looking out for each other, nonetheless. Jason, Dino, Lani,
Walt, Dennis and the rest of the crew, THANK YOU for welcoming me in and making me feel like I've been here all along. And thank you all for being such an inspiration and for allowing me to be a part of your family; it's been real.
Ever since I was a kid, Evergreen Raceway has had a special place in my heart. But after talking to so many of you, I know I'm not the only one that shares this sentiment. So regardless of what the future holds, may you look back at all these memories you made, these occasions you've spent together, these moments forever frozen in time- may you look back at them and smile.
I went into Evergreen Raceway's 100 lap Enduro without any idea of what to expect. Needless to say, all preconceived notions that this could be boring were quickly dissolved because truth be told, it was the most entertaining mixed bag of organized chaos I'd ever witnessed.
Normally when I shoot at Evergreen Raceway in Drums, Pennsylvania, I'm inspired by the people or the beautiful race cars, but that night, the inspiration came instead from a junkyard carnival on acid.
The Enduro has the most eclectic pieces of garbage I have ever laid eyes on. It's like Harry's-U-Pull-It and Graffiti Highway had a love child at Burning Man and then took a family trip to Knoebels to ride the bumper cars.
It was like watching a metal scrap yard host an ugly sweater contest on wheels with tin cans, flashy LEDs and Godzilla in tow. And let's throw in some American flags for good measure, too.
Who knew TJ Kapish's alter ego would be Nightmare on Sesame Street?
With most of the standard formalities thrown out the window, minor obstacles intentionally added and a miserable cold drizzle to boot, the maniacal ruckus that ensued was inevitable, and, quite frankly, I found it hysterical.
Somehow amidst the madness, Michael Mujsce Jr. of Long Island, New York made it to the finish line in one piece and was crowned victor (Congrats!)
So whether you were at the track Saturday night or not, here's some highlights to enjoy in all their outlandish glory. It might have been my first Enduro experience, but I sure hope it won't be my last.
