Showing posts with label Monterey Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monterey Week. Show all posts
Thursday, October 13, 2011
VIDEO: Porsche at Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion - 2011
Since it a Porsche weekend, here is my video from the Pre-Reunion weekend.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ferrari F50 GT - VIDEO #50 on the YouTube Channel
I hit post #48 here on the blog a couple day ago, and I wanted to even up the number so that I could get the mark at this current entry of #50. In order to do so, I posted a cheesy entry about me selling my Forza Magazine collection to get the field evened up.
I had also hit video upload #49 a few days back and wanted to be sure that the next one was something worthy of being #50, not only of the video uploads, but also for blog entry #50. So I looked at the video footage that I had so far and noticed the worthy candidate. THE FERRARI F50 GT! An absolutely stunning Ferrari So here is the video all finished and on my YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/speedtrap73
ENJOY!
I had also hit video upload #49 a few days back and wanted to be sure that the next one was something worthy of being #50, not only of the video uploads, but also for blog entry #50. So I looked at the video footage that I had so far and noticed the worthy candidate. THE FERRARI F50 GT! An absolutely stunning Ferrari So here is the video all finished and on my YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/speedtrap73
ENJOY!
Friday, September 23, 2011
VIDEO: Starting Grid - Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion - 2011
This is a short video of the cars heading down the pit lane to hit the track for a race. I recorded this when I was working. I set the camera on a tri-pod and let it run as they rolled through.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
VIDEO: 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo "P3"
I have been seeing this Alfa for the past several years while working at the track. I remember seeing for the first time in 2007 while attending the Ferrari Racing Day / Ferrari Challenge event at Infineon Raceway. Everytime I see it, the more drawn to it I have become. Finally I got around to getting some video of it. This was originally raced by Tazio Nuvolari for the Scuderia Ferrari. Since I am a Ferrari Tifosi, Seeing a car with significant history, I just couldn't resist it.
Enjoy the video. Thank You!
Monday, September 5, 2011
VIDEO: My Highlights of Concorso Italiano - 2011
I finally got around to getting my highlights video put together from the event. I had a great time at the event, so I wanted to share it with everyone. Thank You! Enjoy the video. Feedback appreciated.
VIDEO: Valentino Balboni at Concorso Italiano - 2011
For those of you that don't know who Valentino Balboni is, well here is a little information for you. Mr. Balboni recently retired from Lamborghini. His job - to drive every Lambo that came off the Assembly line. I want that job! Enjoy the video.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion 2011
I woke early Saturday morning rather tired from having a long Friday and only 2 hours of sleep before that day started. One of the things about being a volunteer at this facility dies have it downside as far as that goes. But, who cares! It was RACE DAY! I got up at 5:00am and got showered and dressed the only thing I had to wear. Since I had come down on Friday with my friend in his Ferrari, I wasn't able to bring everything down with me. I had hoped that my wife and our 2 friends would have come down a lot earlier than they had, but that's not what I got. I ended up wearing the same clothes I had worn on Friday, all day at Concorso Italiano. But then, I really didn't get dirty, or smelly for that matter. So I put on my clothes and walked back to camp and grabbed my coffee, my radio and headset, and was all ready to go.
At first I had been told by another Assistant Director that I would be stationed with him at Center Gate for the day. But, as usual, that was changed. So I ended up stuck, well not really stuck, I ended up working the exit of turn 10 at the main fire lane where the cars come off the track. I figured, NO PROBLEM! It wasn't a problem at all, it was just a very very busy place to be all day. That's really a good thing I guess. I thought it would be a pretty simple task. My head Director, who happens to be the person that got me started here in the first place back in 2008. He stopped by and asked if all was good. Of course it was! He then told me that I'd better take it and own it, then he left. I didn't quite get it at first, but then it all began. What did he mean by "own it"? Well as I originally thought, I would only really be dealing with the cars exiting the track. Boy what a very quick wake up call that turned out to be for me. Then I knew what he meant by "own it".
It ended up being that I was dealing not only with the car exiting the track to go back to their assigned area, but I can pretty much say I can qualify to be a traffic officer in New York City. I not only took ownership of the task, I ran with it. Now to explain. Not only was I dealing with the cars exiting the track, I had to deal with the ones that were coming out of their rows to head down the main fire lane to head to Center Gate where they entered the pit lane to go onto the track. Then there was the chore of dealing with trying to keep the fans, I.E. spectators from walking in from of the cars. I did learn something pretty fast, no matter how much you blow a whistle they still just don't listen. Oh wait! I think the mentality of a lot of the spectators is this - I'm at a car show! Yeah! well it is in a way, but, HELLO! This is a racing event more than anything people! I really appreciate those that did actually listen to those of us there to keep you safe, but then there was the few that really didn't care, or really weren't paying attention as to what we were doing there. But, no one did get injured. Thanks to all 6 of us keeping ours eyes open at all times. They did get it after we did get them stopped, and moved back out of the way. OOOOOH! A RACE CAR! The other obstacle was trying to get the regular cars, and the golf carts stopped. But then no sooner do you do so that someone behind them doesn't realize we have car exiting at that time that they think it's okay to try to go around the ones that are stopped. Once again, it was a keen aware of the 6 of us yelling at these ones to realize what was going on here. It was so busy the entire day that it went by pretty fast.
Now besides dealing with that fun task, I really did have a fun time doing it. Then there was the occasional cool spectator to talk to. Besides being around these awesome cars all weekend, one of the reasons I do this is to meet fans and spectators from around the world. Other than the regular, you do come across some pretty famous drivers and entertainers. First one that came along on Saturday was some race car driver. I say it that way simply because I did recognize him, but could not remember his name. Then I started to talk with him. He was here to drive a very fine example of a Ferrari. I told him "I always see him here", and he said "Yeah, I'm out here all the time". Then I proceeded to say "I thought so, but I can't remember your name". He then replies "Brian Redman"! Boy did I feel a little stupid. But I can't remember them all right. Then as the busiest day I ever worked went on I saw this really cool guy walking across from me. It was none other than Michael Anthony. He was walking with a group of guys from BonspeedCarolla, and Brian Johnson of AC/DC.
Then Sunday came! It wasn't anywhere close to as busy as Sunday was. The day went fairly easy to. I started doing the same routine as the day before with less hassle. Then I see Brian Johnson needing to get by. He did have to stop briefly to wait for the cars to finish exiting the track, then he went by. As the morning went on, those of us Assistant Directors that were working this area did manage to get some downtime to run around. Mine just happened to be during the lunch break, so I really didn't get the extra spare time that the others did. But no big deal. I ate my lunch, then grabbed my camera and ran to find Brian Johnson. And, fortunately I got there just in time. He was about to leave. I got a quick pic with him, grabbed my video camera and started to record. Then not only did my card fill up, the battery died. Away it went and out came my camera. I started shooting as he was leaving on the door of a Mercedes 300SL convertible. Not in the greatest shape, but hey, it was a 300SL Convertible. He saw me and gave me the finger. No, not the middle finger. He pointed at me as my finger was clicking away when they were pulling out of the tent. Wow! what a cool experience this ended up being. He was definitely a cool guy. Then I headed over to the pit garages to find someone else. I was looking for a friend that had his Ferrari F1 car there for the event. Then I found it. I walked up to Bud and said hello and then began to drool at the site of his ride. The ride in particular was a 1980 Ferrari 312 T5 that was driven by Gilles Villeneuve. This car was awesome. And as when Bud was here for Ferrari Racing Days back in May, I had to ask that one question again, "Can I sit it it?" And he gratefully replied, "Absolutely!" As I prepared to get in, I had another friend, Keith, on hand to capture a photo as he had when I sat in the F2003-GA that Bud had brought out in May. Then one of the Prep Mechanics said to that I'd better take off my shoes. I gladly did just so. Why take the shoes off though? So I could actually get my feet into the cockpit. As I took the directions of Bud to place my hands and get in, I slid my butt into the car and then I didn't quite fit. Man what a tight fit. But I didn't care one bit if my butt fit or not. I was sitting in another Ferrari F1 car. Twice in 1 year! I couldn't believe it.
Once I got myself out of the Ferrari, it was time to get back to Turn 10 and get ready for the afternoon races. I went through the afternoon and since I had my camera on hand, I was to get a few shots of a few cool cars at the end of the day. But before that came, the second to the last race ended and I stepped away for about 10 minutes. I asked one of the other volunteers to come with me to take yet another photo. I went over to see Adam Carolla and get a pic with him after he had gotten out of the Datsun 2000 that he had just finished racing. This car was beautiful too. So I got my picture and headed back. Then I came across Rick Knoop. I had met Rick and spoke to him last year when I was helping out to get all the trucks and trailers into the designated spaces. I Talked with him briefly and got a friendly photo and back to Turn 10. After a short bit, the day was done and I was relieved. I took off and headed over to the Souvenir Store so I could grab the Event Poster and Program. I always make sure to get them before I miss out on them. Once I was done there, it was back to the trailer to get ready to head out. I grabbed a few more photos of some cars that were still out before they got loaded into their haulers. After a few more hours, I finally headed home. Another awesome event was over. Now to wait for the next one. The American Le Mans race in September. I love this event as well. Since the race is 6 hours, I get to run around and put the camera to use. Until then, hopefully other things come for me to write about.
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS - http://razzi.me/albums/2675-moterey-motorsports-reunion-2011
At first I had been told by another Assistant Director that I would be stationed with him at Center Gate for the day. But, as usual, that was changed. So I ended up stuck, well not really stuck, I ended up working the exit of turn 10 at the main fire lane where the cars come off the track. I figured, NO PROBLEM! It wasn't a problem at all, it was just a very very busy place to be all day. That's really a good thing I guess. I thought it would be a pretty simple task. My head Director, who happens to be the person that got me started here in the first place back in 2008. He stopped by and asked if all was good. Of course it was! He then told me that I'd better take it and own it, then he left. I didn't quite get it at first, but then it all began. What did he mean by "own it"? Well as I originally thought, I would only really be dealing with the cars exiting the track. Boy what a very quick wake up call that turned out to be for me. Then I knew what he meant by "own it".
It ended up being that I was dealing not only with the car exiting the track to go back to their assigned area, but I can pretty much say I can qualify to be a traffic officer in New York City. I not only took ownership of the task, I ran with it. Now to explain. Not only was I dealing with the cars exiting the track, I had to deal with the ones that were coming out of their rows to head down the main fire lane to head to Center Gate where they entered the pit lane to go onto the track. Then there was the chore of dealing with trying to keep the fans, I.E. spectators from walking in from of the cars. I did learn something pretty fast, no matter how much you blow a whistle they still just don't listen. Oh wait! I think the mentality of a lot of the spectators is this - I'm at a car show! Yeah! well it is in a way, but, HELLO! This is a racing event more than anything people! I really appreciate those that did actually listen to those of us there to keep you safe, but then there was the few that really didn't care, or really weren't paying attention as to what we were doing there. But, no one did get injured. Thanks to all 6 of us keeping ours eyes open at all times. They did get it after we did get them stopped, and moved back out of the way. OOOOOH! A RACE CAR! The other obstacle was trying to get the regular cars, and the golf carts stopped. But then no sooner do you do so that someone behind them doesn't realize we have car exiting at that time that they think it's okay to try to go around the ones that are stopped. Once again, it was a keen aware of the 6 of us yelling at these ones to realize what was going on here. It was so busy the entire day that it went by pretty fast.
Now besides dealing with that fun task, I really did have a fun time doing it. Then there was the occasional cool spectator to talk to. Besides being around these awesome cars all weekend, one of the reasons I do this is to meet fans and spectators from around the world. Other than the regular, you do come across some pretty famous drivers and entertainers. First one that came along on Saturday was some race car driver. I say it that way simply because I did recognize him, but could not remember his name. Then I started to talk with him. He was here to drive a very fine example of a Ferrari. I told him "I always see him here", and he said "Yeah, I'm out here all the time". Then I proceeded to say "I thought so, but I can't remember your name". He then replies "Brian Redman"! Boy did I feel a little stupid. But I can't remember them all right. Then as the busiest day I ever worked went on I saw this really cool guy walking across from me. It was none other than Michael Anthony. He was walking with a group of guys from BonspeedCarolla, and Brian Johnson of AC/DC.
Then Sunday came! It wasn't anywhere close to as busy as Sunday was. The day went fairly easy to. I started doing the same routine as the day before with less hassle. Then I see Brian Johnson needing to get by. He did have to stop briefly to wait for the cars to finish exiting the track, then he went by. As the morning went on, those of us Assistant Directors that were working this area did manage to get some downtime to run around. Mine just happened to be during the lunch break, so I really didn't get the extra spare time that the others did. But no big deal. I ate my lunch, then grabbed my camera and ran to find Brian Johnson. And, fortunately I got there just in time. He was about to leave. I got a quick pic with him, grabbed my video camera and started to record. Then not only did my card fill up, the battery died. Away it went and out came my camera. I started shooting as he was leaving on the door of a Mercedes 300SL convertible. Not in the greatest shape, but hey, it was a 300SL Convertible. He saw me and gave me the finger. No, not the middle finger. He pointed at me as my finger was clicking away when they were pulling out of the tent. Wow! what a cool experience this ended up being. He was definitely a cool guy. Then I headed over to the pit garages to find someone else. I was looking for a friend that had his Ferrari F1 car there for the event. Then I found it. I walked up to Bud and said hello and then began to drool at the site of his ride. The ride in particular was a 1980 Ferrari 312 T5 that was driven by Gilles Villeneuve. This car was awesome. And as when Bud was here for Ferrari Racing Days back in May, I had to ask that one question again, "Can I sit it it?" And he gratefully replied, "Absolutely!" As I prepared to get in, I had another friend, Keith, on hand to capture a photo as he had when I sat in the F2003-GA that Bud had brought out in May. Then one of the Prep Mechanics said to that I'd better take off my shoes. I gladly did just so. Why take the shoes off though? So I could actually get my feet into the cockpit. As I took the directions of Bud to place my hands and get in, I slid my butt into the car and then I didn't quite fit. Man what a tight fit. But I didn't care one bit if my butt fit or not. I was sitting in another Ferrari F1 car. Twice in 1 year! I couldn't believe it.
Once I got myself out of the Ferrari, it was time to get back to Turn 10 and get ready for the afternoon races. I went through the afternoon and since I had my camera on hand, I was to get a few shots of a few cool cars at the end of the day. But before that came, the second to the last race ended and I stepped away for about 10 minutes. I asked one of the other volunteers to come with me to take yet another photo. I went over to see Adam Carolla and get a pic with him after he had gotten out of the Datsun 2000 that he had just finished racing. This car was beautiful too. So I got my picture and headed back. Then I came across Rick Knoop. I had met Rick and spoke to him last year when I was helping out to get all the trucks and trailers into the designated spaces. I Talked with him briefly and got a friendly photo and back to Turn 10. After a short bit, the day was done and I was relieved. I took off and headed over to the Souvenir Store so I could grab the Event Poster and Program. I always make sure to get them before I miss out on them. Once I was done there, it was back to the trailer to get ready to head out. I grabbed a few more photos of some cars that were still out before they got loaded into their haulers. After a few more hours, I finally headed home. Another awesome event was over. Now to wait for the next one. The American Le Mans race in September. I love this event as well. Since the race is 6 hours, I get to run around and put the camera to use. Until then, hopefully other things come for me to write about.
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| Sitting in the Ferrari 312 T5 |
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| Me with Brian Johnson of AC/DC |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion - 2011
I made it down for the weekend to work the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion. This is the event that kicks off all the festivities for Monterey Week. This is the week where auto enthusiast, hobbyist, rich and ridiculously wealthy from around the world come out to play. But as for me, I am just your average enthusiast. I do however spend most of my time at the track helping out as a Paddock Volunteer for SCRAMP. I only get away from the track on Friday every year. I do in order to attend one of my favorite events that I've actually been able to attend, outside of the track. That Event? Well, it's Concorso Italiano. My experience for that event will come later.
So let's get back to the Pre-Reunion. I left my house a little late on Saturday morning and didn't actually get to the track until sometime after 1:00 in the afternoon. I hadn't actually planned on working Saturday as I wanted to get some photo and video shots and just work the event on Sunday. No sooner do I get there that I get hit up by one of my Directors to work. Only 4 Assistant Directors had shown up to work and that just wasn't cutting it. The only other help that was there was a couple of others that volunteered to help out. So I put on my uniform shirt, MRLS cap, credentials, and my whistle, grabbed my video camera and started taking some video of a couple cars just outside our area. About 30 minutes later I got to where I was asked to work. Off and on I was able to get some video of the cars going by, as well as some of the Trans-Am cars that were staged right there behind me. It was a decent afternoon considering I really had not planned on working. I was able to speak to one of the owners of a nice Gold and Bark Blue Mustang. I had met this gentleman last year when I had spent the entire week at the track. It seems that every year that I work, I get to know the participants a little more. However, as bad as I am with names, I just always forget those. But, I always remember the faces of the lucky ones that get to race throughout the weekend.
After the day was done, I took off around 7:00 PM to do some car spotting around town. I ran around for 2 hours and really didn't see much. Considering the week had just started, I had kind of figured there wouldn't be to many sweet rides running around just yet. So I headed back to the track and went to bed.
On Sunday morning I had slept in a little later than I usually do when at the track. I didn't get much sleep Friday night, so I figured I would make a little up. At least until on of my Directors decided to come and interupt my sleep and woke me up. He didn't event knock on the door! He just opened it right up. So, needless to say, I was a little pissed off about that. I then went ahead and got dressed, grabbed my coffee, brushed my teeth, grabbed my camera and video camera, then jumped on a scooter to see what other cars I hadn't seen the day before. I went to the Bonhams display and saw something that I just couldn't pass up. Besides the beautiful 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Vignale and the 1927 Bentley 6.5 litre Sports Tourer that I had recorded on Saturday, sitting there on display was a 1979 BMW M1 Pro-car. For those that know of the Peter Gregg BMW M1, this is the art car painted by Frank Stella. I had only ever seen 1 other M1 before, a street version, and I just couldn't pass up the chance to shoot some photos of this car. I am very glad that I did. I may never see this car again in my life. I also took some pics of the Ferrari. Once I was done I grabbed my radio and headset and headed to center gate for my duties. Throughout the day I was able to shoot more video. By the end of the day, I was beat. Around 8:00 I finally decided it was time to take the 2.5 hour drive back home. I will be back in Monterey on Friday for Concorso Italiano, so I will share that experience when I return.
So let's get back to the Pre-Reunion. I left my house a little late on Saturday morning and didn't actually get to the track until sometime after 1:00 in the afternoon. I hadn't actually planned on working Saturday as I wanted to get some photo and video shots and just work the event on Sunday. No sooner do I get there that I get hit up by one of my Directors to work. Only 4 Assistant Directors had shown up to work and that just wasn't cutting it. The only other help that was there was a couple of others that volunteered to help out. So I put on my uniform shirt, MRLS cap, credentials, and my whistle, grabbed my video camera and started taking some video of a couple cars just outside our area. About 30 minutes later I got to where I was asked to work. Off and on I was able to get some video of the cars going by, as well as some of the Trans-Am cars that were staged right there behind me. It was a decent afternoon considering I really had not planned on working. I was able to speak to one of the owners of a nice Gold and Bark Blue Mustang. I had met this gentleman last year when I had spent the entire week at the track. It seems that every year that I work, I get to know the participants a little more. However, as bad as I am with names, I just always forget those. But, I always remember the faces of the lucky ones that get to race throughout the weekend.
After the day was done, I took off around 7:00 PM to do some car spotting around town. I ran around for 2 hours and really didn't see much. Considering the week had just started, I had kind of figured there wouldn't be to many sweet rides running around just yet. So I headed back to the track and went to bed.
On Sunday morning I had slept in a little later than I usually do when at the track. I didn't get much sleep Friday night, so I figured I would make a little up. At least until on of my Directors decided to come and interupt my sleep and woke me up. He didn't event knock on the door! He just opened it right up. So, needless to say, I was a little pissed off about that. I then went ahead and got dressed, grabbed my coffee, brushed my teeth, grabbed my camera and video camera, then jumped on a scooter to see what other cars I hadn't seen the day before. I went to the Bonhams display and saw something that I just couldn't pass up. Besides the beautiful 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Vignale and the 1927 Bentley 6.5 litre Sports Tourer that I had recorded on Saturday, sitting there on display was a 1979 BMW M1 Pro-car. For those that know of the Peter Gregg BMW M1, this is the art car painted by Frank Stella. I had only ever seen 1 other M1 before, a street version, and I just couldn't pass up the chance to shoot some photos of this car. I am very glad that I did. I may never see this car again in my life. I also took some pics of the Ferrari. Once I was done I grabbed my radio and headset and headed to center gate for my duties. Throughout the day I was able to shoot more video. By the end of the day, I was beat. Around 8:00 I finally decided it was time to take the 2.5 hour drive back home. I will be back in Monterey on Friday for Concorso Italiano, so I will share that experience when I return.
Monday, August 8, 2011
MONTEREY WEEK 1
Well I just might be able to get down this weekend for the kick off of Monterey Week. I finish my last day of Summer Semester on Thursday, and will be hopefully heading to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Friday to spend the weekend at the track for the Pre-Reunion festivities. Hopefully I'll get another opportunity like last year to shoot some sweet cars from the Start/Finish flag stand. I got some awesome shots from there! I CAN'T WAIT! Then I'll come back home Sunday afternoon and then head back down on Friday with my good friend Rob in his 1985 308 GTS to Concorso Italiano for the day. I love this event! This year looks to be an amazing event with some great examples of "Barn Finds" as well as a lot of other gorgeous Italian masterpieces. SEE YOU THERE!
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