As we begin to look toward the 2019 racing season with great anticipation, the INDYCAR Digital Media and Photography groups wanted to give a last holiday present. Earlier this month, we challenged our photographers to provide favorite images they captured from this year, along with a few of their own words on each image.
In Volume 1, we start with our photographers' favorite shots from the preseason tests through the INDYCAR Grand Prix in May. On Thursday, we'll share Volume 2, covering the 102nd Indianapolis 500 through Toronto. On Friday, we'll finish off the season with photos from Mid-Ohio through Sonoma and the offseason. Enjoy!
Preseason Testing
Photographer: Stephen King
This photo represents the specialty of that first big test to me. First time for most of the teams in the new aero kit on a road course at Sonoma. First time seeing new liveries. The February test is also one of the rare times that cars are on track when Sonoma is green, beautiful and lush with flowers.
Photographer: Stephen King
If there's one thing I'll miss from INDYCAR's visit to Phoenix, it's the sunsets. The beautiful colors during the open test in February provided the perfect backdrop for the quiet moment of drivers focusing before getting in their cars.
Race #1 - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Photographer: Shawn Gritzmacher
There is always such excitement and palpable nervous energy surrounding the season opener in St. Pete. The drive to pole and domination of the race by Robert Wickens added intrigue to the start of a new season.
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
Everyone was excited to see how Robert Wickens would perform in his first race in INDYCAR. He shocked everyone by winning the pole and nearly winning the race. I got lucky and caught a flash illuminating his face while he celebrated his pole win.
Photographer: Chris Jones
The season got off to a great start in St. Pete. Three rookies qualified in the top four, late-race drama and a repeat winner (Sebastien Bourdais) in his adopted hometown.
Race #2 - Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix
Photographer: Chris Owens (Editor's Choice)
Every now and then, a team will run a "one-off" throwback livery. This year, Andretti Herta Autosport ran this throwback to Mario Andretti's final win of his legendary career in Phoenix, and it was just as awesome in person as it was to capture in images. Now, if only INDYCAR were to consider a full-field "throwback" race .... hmmmmmm ....
Photographer: Joe Skibinski (Editor's Choice)
Sebastien Bourdais won in St. Petersburg, but many thought he "lucked" into his win. Perhaps, perhaps not. Regardless, there was little doubt he wanted to quiet the doubters, scoring the pole in Phoenix, laying claim that he was one to beat in the 2018 season.
Photographer: Chris Owens (Editor's Choice)
The mantra for reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Josef Newgarden was #DefendThe1, and after winning in Phoenix, it was clear ... "In order to be the 1, you've got to beat the 1." This night, no one was beating the 1. Let the confetti fly!
Race #3 -Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Photographer: Richard Dowdy
Alexander Rossi was a rookie when he won the 2016 Indianapolis 500. He had three wins in 2018, including this one at Long Beach.
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
Getting access to an apartment above the Long Beach track provided me with some of my favorite photos I've ever taken. The cars flying down the backstretch and hitting the brakes hard made for some great top-down photos, such as this gem of Scott Dixon in his new PNC Bank livery.
Photographer: Stephen King
The hairpin at Long Beach is one of my top 5 favorite corners in racing. It almost feels like you're too close to the drivers. "I hope my lens hood doesn't fall off."
Race #4 - Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama
Photographer: Joe Skibinski (Editor's Choice)
One of the signature sculptures at Barber Motorsports Park is a giant spider at the outside of the Turns 5-6 hairpin, dubbed "Charlotte's Web." Every now and then, photography requires a little luck, such as this image where both Zach Veach and Gabby Chaves were perfectly framed by Charlotte's legs during practice.
Photographer: Chris Jones (Editor's Choice)
This image style has become one of Chris' signature shots during any given season. The angular lines of the track, pit lane, walls and road lines works in harmony with the overhead in-cockpit shot of the driver (in this case, Spencer Pigot) rolling out to do battle with Barber Motorsports Park.
Photographer: Matt Fraver
I'm sure Josef Newgarden won't want to see this one again, but it was one of my favorite photos of the year. This was entering Turn 5 during Friday morning practice. It ended up being the only mistake he made all weekend as he went on to win pole and the race.
Photographer: Chris Owens (Editor's Choice)
Sometimes, rain shots can be really cool, even if all of your expensive photographic gear is getting wet. Race day ended up being a washout, so we completed the rest of the race on Monday. Still, when you can get contrail images from the new universal aero kit on Graham Rahal's car, it is definitely worth it.
Race #5 - INDYCAR Grand Prix
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
Will Power was the dominant figure during the INDYCAR Grand Prix weekend. After blistering the field for the pole position, he goes out and wins the race in dominating fashion. Still, even in celebration in victory circle, you could see true excitement in his face, while he still had that "more work to be done this month" look in his eye. Up next, 500 miles to immortality.
