As we look toward the 2019 racing season with great anticipation, our INDYCAR Digital Media and Photography groups wanted to give a last holiday present for 2018. We challenged our photographers to provide favorite images they captured from this year, along with a few of their words on each image.
In Volume 1, we started with our photographers' favorite images from 2018, starting with preseason testing through the INDYCAR Grand Prix. In Volume 2, we continued with images from the 102nd Indianapolis 500 through the Honda Indy Toronto.
We conclude our series with Volume 3 covering the final races of the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season from Mid-Ohio through Sonoma, along with a few images from the offseason. Enjoy!
Race #13 - Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Photographer: Matt Fraver
#SaveTheCrew. As an Ohio kid, this one meant a lot to me. Since it looks like the team was saved, Graham's helmet must have helped.
Photographer: Chris Jones
The start of a Verizon IndyCar Series practice session can be colorful and chaotic, as this photo from Mid-Ohio shows.
Photographer: Matt Fraver
Some drivers are very particular about their gear. This seems to be one of those drivers. As the eventual series champion, I think it's working for him.
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
There's a great angle at Mid-Ohio over the esses section, where all you see is the track, the car, and trees. You can really see a driver work for that corner. Ryan Hunter-Reay's gloves really pop in this shot.
Photographer: Chris Owens
Courses like Mid-Ohio make for some of the most spectacular images of our season. This photograph of Will Power is my new favorite vantage point at the track. It’s not for everyone, in fact, it’s a blurry mess. That’s what I like about it. I have plenty of sharp still ones. This one is different.
Race #14 - ABC Supply 500 (Pocono)
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
After Robert Wickens' accident, we really didn't know if anyone wanted to celebrate in victory circle. While logically a bit subdued, I think Alexander Rossi's champagne spray showed there could and should still be celebration, even after 500 miles of racing. Plus, after winning back-to-back races, he was clearly back in the title chase.
Race #15 - Bommarito Automotive Group 500 (Gateway)
Photographer: Chris Owens
I love this photo. Indy cars are sexy, fast, loud, aggressive and somehow smooth all at the same time. This image proves that.
Photographer: Matt Fraver
Another situation where I was there for a different photo, and this just happened to be the sunset at the beginning of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Not a bad view for a night race.
Race #16 - Grand Prix of Portland
Photographer: James Black
Where the rubber meets the road!
Photographer: Stephen King
It was really great to see the fans embrace Indy car racing's return to Portland. Panning with the mid-pack cars where I expected the most passing attempts, I got lucky that the four cars lined up perfectly in front of packed stands. Personally, I love the glow of the brakes.
Photographer: Chris Owens
I originally debated if turn 4 would be a good spot for the start of the race. I remember over-thinking my situation and was debating on making a last-minute dash to a new location. I was so exhausted from all of the support series races earlier that day that I decided to stay. I’m glad I did. Probably the most unique crash photo I’ve ever captured.
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
The joy in Takuma Satos face when he smiles makes for really great photos. You couldn't help but be happy for the guy when he won our return race to Portland.
Race #17 - INDYCAR Grand Prix of Sonoma
Photographer: Shawn Gritzmacher
Josef Newgarden had a great season, with some really tough breaks. But hey, that’s racing, as they say. I thought this shot defined the offseason ahead. I often wonder where a driver’s mind goes in the long season away from the car.
Photographer: Richard Dowdy
Scott Dixon, who clinched his fifth Verizon IndyCar Series championship in the season finale, is shown here on his way to the title.
Photographer: Stephen King
Thirty seconds before, I was pondering shifting spots. "No one passes in the carousel," I thought. Then, Josef Newgarden comes around the outside of Sebastien Bourdais. This shot reminds me of Indy car program covers that I used to collect as a kid.
Photographer: Chris Owens
We build and wait the entire year for this moment. Drivers, crew members and engineers focus every second of every race for this opportunity to claim they are the best. Scott Dixon and the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda crew, the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series champions. Scott's wife, Emma, and daughters Poppy and Tilly are pretty happy, too.
Photographer: Joe Skibkinski
Scott Dixon is the greatest driver of my generation and it's an honor to witness his greatness, week in and week out. The confetti shots always turn out really cool and show the excitement of the moment.
Photographer: Shawn Gritzmacher
I took many photos of Dixon's No. 9 car this year, but this final shot of his gearbox defined the five-time champion everyone followed.
Offseason
Photographer: Joe Skibinski
Going to Yankee Stadium in New York for the Harding Steinbrenner Racing announcement of drivers Patricio O'Ward and Colton Herta might be the coolest shoot I've gotten to be a part of. I never thought I would go to a Yankees-Red Sox game, let alone get to be on the field for the first pitch.
Photographer: Joe Skibkinski
I often wonder if drivers see us or know who we are when they pass us in the turns. This might be the answer from Will Power.