SEMA 2016
The alarm blares at an ungodly hour - 4:30 am - signaling the start of my day after a sleepless night. The car pulls up to my apartment, and there's Matthew Keefe, my trusty "Uber friend" for early morning rides to Logan Airport. A tired smile creeps onto my face as I climb into the car, the familiar routine of travel beginning once again. Arriving at the airport, the imposing Dunkin' Donuts sign looms large, beckoning with promises of a morning jolt. I eagerly order a hot cocoa, craving that chocolatey goodness to kickstart my day. But as I take that first sip, my hopes are dashed - it's a watered-down disappointment.
Undeterred, I make my way towards the gate, resigning myself to the less-than-stellar start. Boarding the flight, I settle into my seat for the long haul ahead. Six hours in the air, and the watered-down hot cocoa is the least of my worries as the woman seated next to me begins to feel ill. Soon enough, the dreaded scent fills the air, and I find myself cruising at 30,000 feet with the unmistakable odor of vomit lingering around me. "Good morning, Josh," I mutter to myself with a wry smile, bracing for a less-than-pleasant journey ahead. The adventures of travel, where every moment brings a new surprise, or in this case, an unexpected olfactory experience.
This year brought a delightful twist as I reunited with my friend Grant Ritchey, an intrepid traveler who's been exploring the country's wonders. Knowing Grant to be an excellent travel companion, we decided to rendezvous in Las Vegas for SEMA. As I finally arrived in the glittering city, Grant greeted me warmly, and we made our way to the Luxor Hotel to check in before our SEMA adventure.
For those unfamiliar, SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. It was media day, a special opportunity that allowed me to enter the Convention Center before the official opening day. Excitement coursing through me, I gathered my gear and headed down to the showroom, eager to capture the beauty and innovation on display. It's moments like these that remind me of my fortune; here I am, capturing stunning cars without the usual crowds, no need to jostle or step on toes for the perfect shot.
Time flew by as I immersed myself in this dream-like setting. Thirty minutes felt like seconds as I reveled in the chance to participate in something I'd always dreamed of. But as media day drew to a close, reality beckoned. I reluctantly packed up my equipment, bidding farewell to the vibrant displays, knowing that the memories captured in my lens would last a lifetime. Another day of adventure and photography awaited, and I couldn't wait to see what else SEMA had in store.
Grant and I met up with an old friend who lived on the Nellis Air Force Base, where we watched F-16 fighter jets return from training missions. Capturing shots of these impressive machines in the hangar was a thrilling experience. Later, we explored Vegas, ending up at Holsteins, a burger joint known for its decadent alcoholic milkshakes. Picture creamy milkshakes infused with alcohol, topped with ice cream cookies - a heart attack of a dessert, but absolutely worth it. As we indulged in these treats amidst Vegas' vibrant energy, I felt grateful for the unforgettable experiences and great company. Vegas had left its mark on us.
It was Halloween in Vegas, adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. Naturally, we decided to hit the town, and our night took an unexpected turn when we stumbled upon the Diplo concert at XS Club. The club was alive with energy, filled with people dressed in their Halloween best (or scantily clad, as is the norm in Vegas). As the night wore on, the hours slipped away unnoticed. Before I knew it, my watch read 7 am, and the realization hit me - I had to be at SEMA by 9 am. It was a full-blown all-nighter, a decision that I was starting to question as the fatigue set in. But hey, when in Vegas, right?
Bumping into Chris Pettrucio from Krispy Media was a stroke of luck, as he was there working for Accuair. Chris and I have a history of collaboration, having worked together previously at Monticello Motor Club for Miller Motors and during the McLaren P1 Bonanza. Our chance encounter added a familiar and welcome element to the bustling scene of SEMA.
As SEMA drew to a close, the excitement reached its peak during the rollout portion of the event. Thousands of cars unloaded from the convention center, parading their impressive designs across the street to a massive parking lot for SEMA Ignited. I found myself in the perfect vantage point, seated right behind a police car parked in the middle of the road. Amidst the frenzy of everyone vying for the perfect spot, I navigated through the crowd, repeatedly saying "excuse me" as I aimed to capture those perfect shots of the spectacle unfolding before me.
The night culminated in the thrilling spectacle of Formula Drift, where I was fortunate enough to secure another media pass. Positioned in the middle of the course, I found myself amidst the heart-pounding action as cars slid mere inches away from me and my lens. It was a dangerous yet exhilarating experience, with the thrill of smoke billowing from the cars engulfing me and occasionally covering my lens. The intensity of Formula Drift left an indelible impression, a fitting finale to my time at SEMA.
Reflecting on the whirlwind trip of 2017, I can't deny the thrill and change of pace it brought from my usual routine. However, if I were to rewind time, I'd press pause and perhaps revisit this adventure in 2-3 years for a fresh perspective. Looking ahead, my sights are set on attending new Concours events like the prestigious Pebble Beach or venturing across the pond to witness the Isle of Man TT or Goodwood. For now, I'll continue to immerse myself in what I love and can readily experience. Signing off from Vegas, stay tuned for my upcoming wild car adventures.