lords of dirt
2026 - 6th annual lords of dirt motorcycle race
Walking through the rides and food vendors with my camera, watching for chance interactions, I’m not really seeing anything interesting. The sun is setting. Feeling uninspired, I’d be remiss if I don’t at least try to get into the dirt arena.
Approaching the gates, I ask a member of the security team how I can get down onto the field. I’m directed to the fairgrounds office where I’m met by the director of graphic designer and photography. She gives me the rundown of where I can access and where to avoid. She walks me out, ushering me through the secret entrance and the area explodes with the sound of cheering and revving engines.
On the west end of the track, I begin scoping various angles and working the scene. With my press pass visible, a fella approaches shouting over the noise. He asks who I’m with. “I’m not with anyone; I got clearance to shoot the event.” He says I gotta go. I make my way to the starting line and hang there.
I see fellow photographer, Jury Rubeling-Kain, walking with his Pentax 67, and I approach him. Talking shop, he says we should get out in the middle. I follow him to another photographer where they have a brief conversation that is lost in the din. She gives the thumbs up and we’re in. Dirt and rocks being thrown at my lens, I get as close as I dare.
Shooting my large TLR, I get some looks from the racers. “Does that thing actually work?!” Sure does, “can I get a portrait?” He and his buddies were stoked.
The light dips behind the mountains and it’s time to get a burger and a beer. I sit and reflect on the night, considering that I almost passed the opportunity to simply ask for a spot in the dirt.
