Month: July 2014

Photo Stories: The Ferrari 312 T5

While it’s a great looking and sounding car, in vintage racing, this 1980 Ferrari 312 T5 was one of the least successful of Ferrari’s Formula 1 efforts. Plagued by a lack of power from it’s naturally aspirated flat 12 engine (most other manufacturers had gone to turbos), indifferent handling, and all around poor performance. Even with reigning World Champion Jody Scheckter at the wheel, it failed to qualify in Canada. Earning only 2 points for the 1980 season, it was the second worst performance by the company to date.

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Still in all Ferrari took what few gains they had made with the design, and incorporated them into the 1981 126 C & CK the following year, and thus ushering in the era of the twin turbo Ferrari’s. While the twin turbo CK proved a bit problematic, the C yielded better results. However there were still reliability issues that would not be worked out until the 1982 season with the introduction of the 126 C2.

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Maple City Grand Prix

My first chance to shoot powerboat racing came in 2008 when I shot the Kankakee Regatta for the first time. Being the speed junkie that am, I was hooked from then on. Since then I have tried to add more powerboat racing to my yearly schedule. In 2013 I began to see post on the web about the inaugral Maple City Grand Prix in La Porte Indiana. As the details began to emerge, I became fascinated by the course layout. All other races I have seen have been on oval courses, so the addition of a right hand turn was too much to resist. I was not disappointed. Although the weather was not optimal the first year, I managed to get enough good shots to insure I would return in 2014.

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The weather for this year was more cooperative, and yielded even better shots than the previous year. Spectators were treated to some of the most exciting racing they have ever seen from both classes. The nature of the course layout allows for unique perspectives, and some very dynamic shots. You get more of a sense of the action than you do in some places.

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The course layout has become popular among the drivers as well, who find the addition of a right turn a nice challenge. The more experienced drivers take it in stride and just go about their normal task of trying to get more speed from their boats.

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This event has grown in attendance, and participation in the two years it has been in existence, and I see no reason why this trend should not continue. It is a good venue, great course layout, and very exciting racing.

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