: Fascinating to see these beautiful photos and especially to get
: the "back story" . . . how the various photos are
: taken, their purpose, and the dynamics behind them. Maybe next
: year, I can volunteer, to be your "grip"!!

Jeff,

Two things...

First, you know you are always invited to Indy for the race or for a practice session. I could always use a "grip" but I would never make you do that. For one think the lens your Montoya picture was taken with is a brand new Nikon 400 2.8 with fluorite elements which is a couple of pounds lighter than the old one so even an old man like me can carry it.

Second, on the topic of Juan Pablo Montoya, I gained a new respect for him this year. We have always know that he could really drive. I think if he had been given a decent ride he might have been dominant in F1 at a time when there was another really dominant driver. However JPM has also always been kind of a jerk to deal with. This year I got to be around him quite a bit and also with him and his family. The way he is with his wife and kids is just amazing. His kids love him and he is a completely different man around them. His wife is wonderful to deal with. At this "day after shoot" he was business like but pretty into it which is what we photogs want. I have come to like the dude and he makes our series better. The racing at IndyCar has been great this year because we really have about 5 or 6 of the best drivers in any series anywhere in the world and they seem to fight it out at every race.

:
:

: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

:

: :