Stoner. Best.

Catch 'im while (if!) you can, 'cause he's soon to be gone, gone, gone.

 

Indy MotoGP Slideshow

Let's try something a little different--a slideshow of selected images from Indianapolis.

Indy Slideshow

Another brick in the wall

Yard, really.  As in, the Brickyard, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  At one time the entire 2.5-mile circuit length was paved with over 3 million bricks.  These days the expanse of smooth asphalt is interrupted only at the Start/Finish line with just a single yard of the incongruously textured things. 

Leading up to this year’s MotoGP round at Indy the photo or photos I most wanted to get would only be available before the motorcycles rolled in earnest.  I had an idea of what I wanted to do technically, and made my way to the Speedway on the Thursday afternoon to see if I could make it happen. 

Credentials sorted, media center desk space reserved, I walked down to Start/Finish and, sure enough, the racing surface was essentially open, with a gate in the front straight Armco opened to the yard of bricks.  Track workers were putting finishing touches to signage and communication gear, racers were cruising the track on scooters, cornerworkers were getting a walking tour, and assorted people were out for their afternoon jog or pedal.  A Dorna cameraman was recording some video of the famous bricks and various walkers-by would stop for keepsake photos, but basically I had the run of the front straight to set up my photos and absorb the history of the place in the pre-event calm.  If the roadcourse circuit used by MotoGP (and Formula 1 before that) at IMS isn’t exactly steeped in history or distinction, the legendary oval certainly is and it’s always a treat to soak it in before things get noisy. 

Indy MotoGP: Stoner brings the pain

Slippery track or no, Casey Stoner is fast. 

Indy MotoGP: Where is everyone?

I'm ready. 

Countdown to Indy: Top 'merkin?

This year Ben Spies is in new colors and with a new book to sell.  Only one way to improve upon last year's pole position . . .

Countdown to Indy: The Undercard

Although the United States is fortunate to host two rounds of the MotoGP round championship, only one, the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, features the full program, including the 125 and Moto2 classes.  This is a treat, if a slightly bittersweet one this year, as it will be the last appearance of the two-stroke 125 machines, which are to be replaced next year with the new Moto3 category for 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder machines. 

 

Wednesday Wallpaper: Casey Stoner

I have a suspicion that next year Casey Stoner is going to be a blur streaking into the distance, with everyone else wondering which way he went.  But here he is, captured for an instant, for your viewing pleasure.  Click and make big.

Wednesday Wallpaper: Nick Hayden

I had another image tee'd up for this week's wallpaper but heeding to popular demand here instead I offer a big'n of Nicky Hayden from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2009.  Click and make big.

Under the Bubble Forever

Shoya Tomizawa, 1990-2010

Chris Carr. Indy Mile.

Nicky Hayden. Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Pedrosa FTW. And Spain.

Raceday at the Speedway.

Jorge Lorenzo leads morning warm-up.

Ben Spies. Fastest.

Bikes not needed?

That's phrasing it a bit strong, but walking through the Turn Four banking and looking down the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway front straight is a small thrill itself.

It begins!

Casey was quickest . . .

3 . . .

4 days 'til Dovi gets another chance

5 days 'til the GP, but only 4 'til the GNC. Indy Mile.