Historic Festival 38 at Lime Rock Park

My eyes are shut as I take deep breaths, counting down... 3... 2... 1. The unmistakable scent of race fuel fills my senses, mingling with the soothing sound of raspy exhaust notes. It's a sensory experience that feels like I'm reliving someone else's memory. At that moment, the year 2020 fades away, and I'm transported to what feels like the '60s.

But then, as I open my eyes, reality hits. I'm not in a nostalgic era; I'm at a VSCCA track day. It's a bit of a bummer to return to the present, but the thrill of the track and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts make it an experience worth savoring.

The Historic Festival 38 at Lime Rock Park turned out to be just a typical track day. There were no show cars or vendors at the entrance, and even camping on the infield was missing. The excitement and anticipation I had felt in past years were notably absent, and almost everyone I spoke to seemed to share the sentiment.

Without spectators present, it left me wondering: Who were they putting on the show for? Did I really go through the effort to secure media credentials and drive three hours for what felt like just another VSCCA day? The disappointment was palpable, and it was hard not to feel let down by the lackluster event.

The disappointment with the event was on me, and I realized I had a choice. I could continue feeling let down and helpless, or I could take control of the situation and make the best of it. Despite the lackluster atmosphere, I reminded myself that I was one of the very few photographers allowed on the grounds that day.

With my commitment to shooting for MESH New England Magazine, I wasn't going to let our readers down. I shifted my mindset, determined to capture the essence of the event and create compelling content despite the circumstances. It was up to me to turn this day around and make the most of the opportunity.

The pandemic has shifted my photography focus, allowing me to concentrate more on providing families with meaningful photographs to cherish as memories in the future. It has allowed me to step back and reflect on what truly matters.

Despite being an automotive photographer, I've come to realize that I don't value the cars themselves as much as the people connected to them. When I first began my journey at Larz Anderson Auto Museum, my portfolio book highlighted the relationship between people and cars. I've learned that it's the people who truly bring the cars to life. Their stories, emotions, and connections with the vehicles are what make each photograph special and memorable.

For those familiar with Lime Rock Park, it's common knowledge that there are no hotels close to the track. So, as I usually do, I opted to sleep in my car. It was spacious enough for me until I bought this large framed Lamborghini poster that significantly encroached on my sleeping space.

Fortunately, I had the company of my good friend Andrew Male and his family at the event. Andrew races the #600 Alfa Romeo and is a phenomenal driver all around. Their presence at the event, coupled with three days of no showering and being cramped inside my car, turned into quite an adventurous experience. It's these kinds of moments that make racing events memorable and enjoyable, despite the less-than-ideal sleeping arrangements.

From the start, I had a vision of capturing a photo of Andrew's son watching his father drive by on the track. However, with Andrew only participating in 1 or 2 races a day, I knew I had to be in the right spot at the right time to make it happen.

When Andrew headed out on the track for his final run, I sprinted from the paddocks to the back straight. Gathering the family together, I positioned them to watch as dad's car zoomed past. Click! I nailed the shot! It was a heartwarming moment that I am so thankful to have captured, and I know it's a memory cherished by them as much as it is by me. Moments like these make all the effort and running worthwhile.

Saturday had finally arrived, and the races were about to kick off. The early morning Photography/Media Meeting, partly sponsored by Shawn Pierce (the official track photographer), provided us with the rundown. As usual, Greg Clark (the senior official track photographer) delivered his timeless advice at the end of the meeting: "Not be the story. If you are, you suck at your job!" It was a familiar group of shutterbugs, and it was the first time I had seen them all year.

Now, I could dive into the details of the races, but they mostly involved me standing next to the guardrail, battling an obsessive amount of pesky insects while trying to capture photos of cars with a slow shutter speed to convey motion, ensuring they didn't look parked on the track. It was a challenging yet exhilarating experience, with the constant buzz of engines and the click of shutters filling the air.

The first night at the event, I took a stroll around the pits in search of uncovered cars to photograph, and there were plenty to choose from! Without spectators roaming around, the cars didn't have to worry about curious hands touching them. However, there was one car that caught my eye, a 70's Camaro owned by my good friend Michael Dube. It was covered, but I knew I wanted to capture it.

Carefully, I removed the cover and placed it on a nearby table, making sure it wouldn't touch the ground and potentially scratch the paint. I spent the night shooting, not heading back to my car until about 3 am. Once there, I settled in to edit the photos. Big events like these often mean little sleep for me, but I rely on my natural crazy energy to keep me going. It's all part of the exhilarating experience of capturing these moments.

During this event, I had the privilege of working closely with Bryan McCarthy. We decided to hop in his car and find a location to photograph the cars during the road tour through the town. After some scouting, we settled on a spot with open farmland, and a picturesque backdrop for the cars.

As the cars came driving by, we positioned ourselves in the long grass, ready to capture the moment. Despite being attacked by swarms of insects, we persevered and managed to get some great shots. We made it back to the track before the cars arrived, wrapping up the evening with a few more fantastic photos to add to our collection. It was a memorable adventure, filled with the challenges and rewards of capturing these beautiful machines in motion.

The event felt more laid-back compared to previous ones, so I decided to take an even more relaxed approach on Sunday for the Concours in the Park, a car show held on the track due to the town's sound ordinance on Sundays. Last year, I found myself frustrated by the presence of golf carts lining the front straight, and this year they added wooden poles, further hindering the view. Feeling a bit annoyed by the obstructed sightlines, I decided to wander elsewhere for better photo opportunities.

Curious to find spots where other photographers might not be, I ventured into new areas to shoot. It was a refreshing change and I was pleased with the turnout of photos, feeling confident I had captured enough for the magazine. I then made my way back to Andrew's trailer to enjoy lunch.

Afterward, I stowed my cameras in my car and joined Andrew's family for a walk around the show. It was a nice change of pace to take a stroll, enjoying the sights and sounds of the event with them.

It was a rare moment for me, as I'm usually behind the camera, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of walking around with Andrew and his family. It was a chance to savor the event from a different perspective, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying their company.

However, amidst the enjoyment, I couldn't resist capturing a special moment. Pulling out my phone, I recorded Andrew and his son as they ate ice cream and strolled past the cars. It was a simple yet heartwarming scene, and I knew it would be a cherished memory for them. I put together a nice home video for them to look back on, a memento of their time together at the event.

As the day wound down, it was time for me to leave. I never stay until Monday at this event, and this time was no different. This event is truly one for the books for any car enthusiast, and this year, as everyone knows, has been a struggle for most. Here's hoping that in a year or two, we will be able to enjoy this event once again at its full potential, with all its vibrancy and excitement.