The 1978 Atlanta 500

I found these pictures from a trip to Atlanta Raceway the week before the 1978
Atlanta 500. Would you believe Richard Petty eating a bologna sandwich?
I always enjoyed shooting qualifying days better that the actual race.
You could wander freely through the garage area getting great images of the
drivers mingling with each other, crew members and the camp followers with
VIP passes.

Petty, the Allison's, all the drivers of their day were the coolest, most laid back
open group of celebrity/sports figures to photograph. Just a bunch of good ole boys
who loved to go fast. Redneck heaven.



And speaking of rednecks, here is an image of my friend, self proclaimed
redneck and AP photog Joe Holloway, Jr. Another nice thing about days before
the race, you could visit with other shooters. Notice the pile of Nikon F2's on the table,
along with Joe's often present Leica M3.



Janet Guthrie was running that year. She told us "you better shoot
now because you are not getting pictures after the helmet comes off." The
guys never worried about helmet hair.

Looking Back at 1978

Okay, its Monday morning, and I am not going to work. Gonna take some
getting adjusted to this new life. I will be working soon, but for now
I am taking some time to look back on 37 years of the best job in the world.

I sspent Sunday afternoon looking through old images from 1978. Whoa,
what a year. LOts and lots of Tri-X shot with Nikon F's and F2's.

Here are a couple of images that say 1978, for some odd reason. Maaaybe
my reasoning is odd. Probably the case.




Anyway, how much more 70's can you get than dope busts and Wonder Woman?
The field of marajuana was in Monroe County. I do so love the shot of the
undercover dude and his dope shirt. This shirt is very 70's. Kinda like
Harley shirts today. Didn't have to be smoking dope to wear the shirt.

Wonder Woman aand Bugs Bunny...well what can I say????