As the 2024 IndyCar season comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of the past year—months filled with travel, intense heat, high speeds, and moments of that I’ll never forget. Being the Manager of Photography for the INDYCAR Series means capturing more than just the cars; it’s about documenting the energy, the tension, and the unique atmosphere of each race.
Shooting the ovals, especially at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is an entirely different beast. When the green flag drops and the cars surge to 230 miles per hour, the pressure is on. Every fraction of a second counts, and with the speeds so high, my window to capture the action is incredibly narrow. There’s a constant sense anticipation—whether I’m focusing on the cars blasting down the straightaway or aiming to capture a dramatic pit stop, one has to be completely locked in.
But IndyCar isn’t just about ovals. The street and road courses bring their own challenges. Whether I’m wedged between concrete barriers in the tight turns of a street circuit or hiking through the landscape of a road course, each setting has its own personality. The street races are fast-paced and unpredictable, with little room to maneuver and creative angles popping up at every corner. On the road courses, I’m often chasing the perfect spot to capture cars darting through long, flowing corners, the natural scenery framing the action.
The season is grueling months of travel, scorching summer races, and days that start before dawn and end well after the checkered flag has dropped. The heat can be relentless, and the wear and tear of long days with heavy gear tests my endurance. But no matter how draining it can be, the need to stay creative never fades. Each race feels like a new opportunity to find a fresh perspective, to tell a different part of the story.
What makes it all worth it, though, is the fans. Knowing that my work can bring them closer to the action, that it offers a glimpse behind the scenes or into moments they might have missed, keeps me going. It’s incredibly rewarding to share the essence of this sport with those who love it just as much as I do.
As I look back on the year and the images I’ve captured, I’m reminded of why I love what I do. The thrill, the unpredictability, and the artistry of capturing these moments in time—it's a privilege I don’t take lightly. Thanks for following along, and I hope you enjoy these highlights from another unforgettable season.
Thank you for taking the time to browse through my work! Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Chris Owens
