Heroes All

Heroes All

1978 was Mario Andretti and Team Lotus's year in the Formula 1 World Championship. Lotus was a step ahead with the ground effects Type 79 and Andretti took the driver's championship by storm. Andretti wrapped the title up at the Italian Gran Prix under tragic circumstances.

When the Formula 1 circus arrived at Watkins Glen the crowds were enormous. My preference was to position myself on the outside of entrance to Turn 1 to get my shot of the start. When I arrived, the line was 5 deep for access and the start was minutes away. I walked further down to a spot that had a head-on view of the start straight. Unfortunately, there was a high fence in the view. Fortunately, the depth-of-field of my 600mm lens saw right through the fence with no distraction. I had a perfect view, with no other photographers around to shoot the start.

Heroes All is one of my favorite images. Andretti, Reutmann, Villeneuve, Jones, Lauda, Scheckter, Hunt, Depailler, Jarier, Watson and more. All stars of the day.