Spirit of Daytona Brings Chevrolet its First Grand-Am Road Racing Daytona Prototype Victory

Spirit of Daytona Grand-Am Rolex DP Victory for Chevy at Barber Motorsports Park. Team with Drivers Garcia and Westbrook Celebrate in Victory Lane.

Grand-Am DP prototype drivers Richard Westbrook and Antonio Garcia brought SDR Motorsports and Chevrolet their first Daytona Prototype victory with the No. 90 SDR Motorsports Corvette DP win at Barber Motorsports Park. After capturing the pole, Westbrook and Garcia lead 84 laps of the Grand-Am Rolex Porsche 250 to take the team to victory lane.

You can learn more about Grand-AM Road Racing at http://www.grand-am.com/

You can learn more about SDR Motorsports at http://www.sdr-motorsports.com/

You can see more Grand-Am Road Racing Continental Tire Racing Photography by visiting Best Digital Shots Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/



Will Power Dominates IndyCar Racing with 3rd Consecutive Victory

IndyCar's Will Power Victory Lane 2012 Barber Motorsports Park

Izod IndyCar driver Will Power continues to dominate IndyCar racing with his third consecutive victory of the 2012 season. The No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car finished first at Barber Motorsports Park, Long Beach, and Sao Paulo.

Team Penske, with Helio Castroneves’ IndyCar victory at this year’s season starting race in St. Petersburg, stays at the top of the Izod IndyCar podium.

Currently, in the points standings, Power, sits 45 points ahead of teammate Castroneves. Roger Penske’s other driver, Ryan Briscoe, sits at number seven overall.

Izod IndyCar takes to the track again May 27th at Indianapolis. The green flag for this year’s Indy 500 drops at 12:00 pm ET. ABC will carry the action.

To see more of Team Penske visit http://www.penskeracing.com/

 

To see more Izod IndyCar information visit http://www.blogger.com/goog_699898397

To see more great IndyCar photography visit Best Digital Shots Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

A Puppy is Born in Turin, Italy - The Ducati Cucciolo

In 1944, Aldo Farinelli developed a four stroke engine that could be mounted on a bicycle.  Due to the great demand for the Cucciolo, S.I.A.T.A. (the developer) teamed with Ducati and in 1946 the Ducati Cucciolo was released to the public.  Ducati continued to refine the engine and in 1948 Giovanni Florio of Ducati put the T3 into production.  The T3 was a 3 speed system with a grease lubricated valve gear.  In 1949, the T3 engine was combined with Caproni frame to become a light motorcycle eventually leading to the Ducati 60. Great fuel economy and the powerful engine made the Cucciolo a hit with hundreds of thousands of engines and bikes being sold.  More importantly for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Ducati 60 Sport opened the door to racing for the now infamous Ducati line.  

You can learn more about Ducati and Cucciolo at http://www.Ducati.com/

You can see more motorcycle photography at http://www.BestDigitalShots.com/

Colorful Pot Scrubbers in the Wild

Much to my surprise, the Internet is awash with pot scrubbers.  Yet, most pot scrubber images are staged in a controlled environment.  Look for yourself!  Fortunately these colorful scrubbers were for sale in an open container at the park a few summers back. 

Birds Perched Atop Mast and Anchor of Fishing Boat

Birds perched atop mast and anchor of fishing boat seem at ease.  You can see more photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com



Pelican in Marina at Sunset

Pelican in Marina at Sunset. 

Majestic Boy Boxer - Peru

A majestic sweatered boxer in dawn light Ica, Peru.  You can see more shots from Peru at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/  

Skywheel Beach Fun at Sunrise

Skywheel Beach Fun at Sunrise

Skywheel Fun at The Beach

Skywheel fun at the beach. 

Seagulls on the Beach at Sunrise

Seagulls on the beach at sunrise on a crisp Fall morning.

Beautiful Fall Sunrise at The Beach

As winter begins to set in, it's a perfect time to visit the beach and quietly enjoy God's magnificent work.  The above shot was taken at sunrise and, although it was a little breezy and a little cool, the lone fisherman at the end of the pier and I both were blessed to witness the start of a beautiful day.  

It Appears that Golden Silk (Banana) Spiders Do Not Like to be Rocked Like a Hurricane

The Golden Silk Spider, or as it is sometimes known, the Banana Spider, is the second largest spider in North America (only the trantuala is larger). You'll find them from Florida up through the Carolinas.  This particular one was resting in its large beautiful web in Alabama.  The Banana Spider is fairly docile and spends the majority of its time weaving huge orb shaped webs.  

During Hurricane Irene, my Mom called to advise me that her friendly Banana Spider (who was soon to be a mom herself) packed up and moved right before the hurricane headed their way.  Interestingly, my Mom's observation and the Banana Spider's behavior appear to be more than coincidence.  At the website for the Shady Grove Training Center in Ocala, Florida, the folks at the Training Center also note the Banana Spider's ability to warn of hurricanes.  Please visit the following link for their experiences.  http://www.eqeq.com/Wildlife/Golden%20Silk%20Spiders%20and%20Hurricane%20Warnings%20043007_files/frame.htm

For other widlife photography please visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Black and White Photography American Village Montevallo, Alabama

        American Village in Montevallo, Alabama provides excellent educational resources regarding America's Colonial past and our pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.  Visitors can walk the grounds of an immaculately groomed and maintained American village with its period dressed citizens.  Since its inception, American Village has welcomed and taught scores of school children and adults alike. 

      Although permanent photography did not exist during Colonial times (it came about in the early 1800s through the work of Joseph Niepce, Henry Talbot, Louis Daguerre and others), Johann Heinrich Schulze did discover prior to the American Revolution (in the early 1700s) that silver salts darken when exposed to light. His discovery served as a major impetus in photography's development. 

      In an effort to gain a period feel, this photograph was processed with a selenium and sepia treatment. 

Learn more about American Village at http://www.americanvillage.org/

See more black and white photography and photography from American Village at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Beautiful Muscle Milk Girls - Promoting a Winning Combination of Muscle Milk and Supercross/Motocross

     Muscle Milk, what is it? In a nutshell, Muscle Milk is a protein-enhanced, sports-oriented nutritional product produced by CytoSport. It comes in five flavors, chocolate is my favorite, and is available ready to drink, in powder form, as a bar, or in oats as a meal on the go.

     Greg and Mike Pickett founded CytoSport in 1998. At their website, they clearly state that they do not support the use of performance enhancing drugs or steroids and that their products do not contain those substances or any other banned substances. In fact, they claim to take great pride in ensuring that their labeling provides full and accurate information regarding all of its products’ ingredients. To that extent, I was impressed that CytoSport’s “News” section did show that the FDA had made an inquiry into the use of the word “milk” in Muscle Milk’s name. CytoSport seems to be on top of this inquiry. It’s logical to me that Muscle Milk is as much milk as Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk and other similarly labeled lactose free products. I’m sure the Picketts will let us know as soon as the issue is resolved.

     Finally, it was not the beautiful Muscle Milk Girls who got me to try Muscle Milk, but the repeated inquiries from my son about the product. Not only is it a regular sight on the motocross and supercross tours, Muscle Milk is now a regular product at the super market and convenience stores.

To learn more about CytoSport and Muscle Milk visit http://www.cytosport.com/

To see more Muscle Milk Girl Photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

It is Official, Danica Patrick Leaves IndyCar to Race Full Time NASCAR

Danica Patrick makes it official; in 2012 she leaves IndyCar and will race full time for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Danica has already been driving on a part-time basis for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports in that series.

Additionally, however, she joins Tony Stewart’s Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Team. Her goal appears to be to drive full time Sprint Cup by 2013. To that end, Stewart hopes to add a third Sprint Cup car to his team next year in an effort to maximize Danica’s track time. While Danica has stated that she would love to make her Sprint Cup debut at Daytona, she also says that she’ll defer to Stewart, and Tony has yet to make any schedule announcements.

Generally, while some fans think that Danica is making a mistake leaving IndyCar, many drivers and fans in the NASCAR and IndyCar series are wishing her well and anticipate that she will have decent success on the track. Clearly, Danica’s move should be a boon for NASCAR and an economic winner for Danica.

Go Daddy will continue to race full time in the Izod IndyCar Series. Although it has not announced who will be its driver or what car it will sponsor, Go Daddy struck a multi-year deal with Mario, Michael, and Marco Andretti with the understanding that an Andretti Autosport IndyCar will race under the Go Daddy logo. Mario and the family will also make appearances in Go Daddy commercials. Please, no bikinis!

You can see more NASCAR, IndyCup, and Danica Patrick Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

You can learn more about Danica Patrick at http://www.danicaracing.com/

You can learn more about JR Motosports at http://www.jrmracing.com/

You can learn more about http://www.stewarthaasracing.com/

Monster Energy Drink Girl and IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor Dianna Dahlgren Returns as Miss Supercross for 2012

     Super sexy, super fit, Monster Energy Girl Dianna Dahlgren returns as Miss Supercross for 2012. Feld Motor Sports announced that Dianna will return to the track for her second year as ambassador, reporter, promoter, friend, and fan of Monster Energy AMA Supercross when the new season roars into Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium on January 7, 2012. Dahlgren feels blessed and remains excited about returning to the track.

     In her time off from Supercross, Dahlgren competes in the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) pro bikini division. The IFBB is the world’s premier bodybuilding competition and was founded by Ben and Joe Weider in 1946. Among other things, the IFBB created the Mr. Olympia competition in 1965 and Ms. Olympia competition in 1980.

     Recently, Dahlgren finished 4th at the Pro Bikini 2011 IFBB Europa Super Show. You can see her compete this weekend (August 27th) at the Stryker X Phoenix IFBB event at the Mesa Arts Center.

To learn more about the IFBB Professional League visit http://www.ifbbpro.com/

To learn more about AMA Supercross visit http://www.amasupercross.com/

To learn more about Dianna Dahlgren visit her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianna-Dahlgren/400581705606/

You can learn more about Dianna Dahlgren at her Monster Energy Drink, Monster Girl site at http://www.monsterenergy.com/us/en/monstergirls/dianna-dahlgren/

You can see more AMA Supercross photography, Dianna Dahlgren photography and Monster Energy Drink Girl photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Izod IndyCar Driver Pippa Mann Injured During Practice for Sunday's MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

     I am a big fan of English IndyCar driver Pippa Mann and looked forward to her second race in the Izod IndyCar Series this year. Pippa finished 20th during this year’s running of the Indy 500, and was scheduled to drive for Rahal Letterman Lanigan in this weekend’s MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 Izod Indy Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This morning, however, Pippa crashed during practice and had to be removed from competition until cleared by IndyCar medical.

     Pippa hit the wall hard, but was able to walk to a stretcher with the help of rescue personnel. She was transported to Concorde Medical Center for initial evaluation, and will have further tests (to include an MRI of her back) Monday in Indianapolis. 

     The photograph above is from last year when Pippa raced in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. You can learn more about Pippa from looking at some of my earlier blogs at
http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2011/05/pippa-mann-will-make-izod-indycar-debut.html and http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2010/10/firestone-indy-lights-race-driver-pippa.html

You can also learn more about Pippa at her website http://www.pippamann.com/

You can learn more about the Izod IndyCar Series by visiting http://www.indycar.com/

You can see more photographs of Pippa Mann and other Izod IndyCar drivers at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Breaks Back in Crash During Practice for Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

     IndyCar driver Justin Wilson remains one of Britain’s hottest motorsports’ drivers. Following a 2004 stint in Formula One, Wilson excelled while racing in the Champ Car World Series. In 2008, Wilson raced in the IndyCar Series for Newman/Haas. Wilson raced for Dale Coyne Racing in 2009 (where he finished 9th in the points race) and in 2010 he signed with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing to drive its #22 Z-Line Designs car.

    Continuing to drive for Dreyer and Reinbold this season, Wilson currently sits 14th in the standings as the series races today at Mid-Ohio. Unfortunately, yesterday, during practice for today’s race, Wilson spun out between Turns 1 and 2 crashing his car and suffering a compression fracture in his back. Wilson appeared to run wide in turn 1 and as he crossed the uneven surface bounced into the air. Wilson had to be removed from the car and was flown to Mansfield Medical Center. Tests confirmed that he suffered a compression fracture to his fifth thoracic vertebrae.

    Wilson was flown back to Indianapolis for additional hospital care, but he remains active on Twitter and appears to be in good spirits. As recently as one hour ago he twitted the following during today’s race, “Now in Indy thanks to AirMed. Don't have Versus but have timing and scoring.”

(Shots above of Wilson at Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, Alabama)

You can see more of Izod IndyCar Racing at http://www.indycar.com/

You can learn more about Justin Wilson at http://www.justinwilson.co.uk/

You can see more Izod IndyCar Photography at http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Rockstar Energy Drink Girls and Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Head to Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, NY

     Although many of this year’s racing series are starting to come to a close, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and cheer, along with the Rockstar Energy Drink Girls, for your favorite riders.  The Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Series heads to New Berlin, New York August 13, 2011 for the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National.  Practice begins at 8:30 am and opening ceremonies kick off at 12:00 noon.    

     In the 450 Series, Ryan Villopoto currently sits 1 point ahead of Ryan Dungey and 9 points ahead of Chad Reed.  In the 250 Series, Dean Wilson sits 13 points ahead of Tyla Rattray and 17 points ahead of Blake Baggett. 

The Unadilla Valley Sports Center complex is located at

5986 State Highway 8

New Berlin, NY 13411-4412

Latitude: 42.699058
Longitude:  -75.321787

Coordinates:

42.699058, -75.321787
N42°41.94348, W075°19.30722

     The closest airports are Albany County Airport (Albany, New York); Binghamton Airport (Binghamton, New York); and Syracuse Airport (Syracuse, New York).

     You can also catch the Rockstar Energy Drink Girls at a 2011 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing event, 2011 King of Wake Pro Wakeboard event, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing event, or at a Professional Bull Rider Event.  For more Rockstar Energy Drink info visit http://www.rockstar69.com/

Visit Unadilla’s Website at http://www.unadillamx.com/home.html/

Visit Racer X Online for More MX SX action at http://www.racerxonline.com/

Visit Lucas Oil AMA Motocross at http://www.allisports.com/motocross/

For more Rockstar Energy Drink Girls, Monster Energy Drink Girls, Motocross and Supercross Photography visit http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Scott Pruett, and Memo Rojas Remain Atop the Grand-Am Rolex Racing Series Points Standings

Grand-Am Rolex Racing took a short hiatus this weekend, but will be back on track August 12^th and 13^th at Watkins Glen, New York.  Last weekend the Pruett/Rojas Team claimed the DP victory in the American Red Cross 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ.   The Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Team kept their TelMex Riley BMW atop the Daytona Prototype standings.  Currently, Chip Ganassi Racing with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas lead SunTrust Racing with Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor by 29 points.  BMW sits atop Chevrolet by 10 points and chassis manufacturer Riley Technology is beating out Dallara by 42 points in the series standings. 

The shots above are from the Ganassi Team’s victory earlier in the year at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.

To learn more about Grand-Am Road Racing go to  http://www.grand-am.com/

To learn more about Chip Ganassi Racing go to  http://www.chipganassiracing.com/

To learn more about Scott Pruett go to  http://www.scottpruett.com/

To learn more about Memo Rojas go to  http://www.memorojas.com/

To see more Grand-Am Road Racing Photography go to http://www.bestdigitalshots.com/