SEMA Ignited
For the first time in all the years I鈥檝e attended SEMA, this was the first year I didn鈥檛 make it over to Ignited. After a long week of running around, meeting clients and contributors, and attending after-hours events, I was spent, and with our flight out the same night I made the responsible decision to let our contributors handle this one. Micah Russell, AKA Spokephotos, was with us for his first SEMA ever, so we sent him over for a surprise. He walked over to Ignited not knowing what he was walking into. His account of events is below:
鈥淎fter signing a form I assume was a waiver, over the sound of screaming drag cars and crowds, I threw on a given numbered vest and walked into a long row of media personnel, a k-wall, and the stands full of spectators. Looking at the Nitro Circus ramp, I began to switch lenses and alter settings on camera, not understanding what I was about to witness. After they handed out the Young Builders award, a bearded man came out and briefly told everyone what Nitro Circus was. Then it hit me - there's going to be bike stunts! I had only seen this on YouTube and TV, but never in person before. I've never shot bikes doing airborne stunts at night. I thought this was going to be a drift session.
Watching the riders perform their stunts was unbelievable to see in person. The flips, tail whips, no handers, and endless insane tricks at the Nitro Circus were amplified by pyrotechnics. After the bikes were finished, they brought out the massive drift truck. There was as much diesel smoke as there was tire smoke, and it was awe-inspiring how much control he had over that truck.
To complete the night, Formula Drift drivers came out and put on a spectacular show with wall taps, flames, and enough tire shreds to turn a white shirt black. With every pass we had to duck down so we wouldn't get hit with bits of rubber. The amount of smoke they were producing made the crowd in the stands disperse. All the drivers did some tandem and single runs. After shooting and watching this particular event, nothing could have been a better way to complete my week at SEMA.鈥�
Knowing our contributors enjoyed their time at an event even more than we did is just the icing on the cake that is a huge week at SEMA. As we boarded our respective plans back to our home destinations, the weight lifted off our shoulders knowing we had done it - another SEMA in the books. Until next year! For more information and news, go to .
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