And on the seventh day he rested

No he bloody didn’t.

Sunday, the last day of the rally, and we head for a stadium on the outskirts of Bangalore where a makeshift track had been created. There is a watersplash and a jump. I opt for the jump while Kishen takes the watersplash. The cars are to make two and half circuits of the track, which gives ample time for shooting from a variety of angles. It’s a couple of hours of non-stop action and I love it; as does the crowd who become increasingly energised.

As you can see from a couple of the above shots, the red and white tape was a real nuisance, and of zero value in keeping the cars on the track. Some Photoshop will be required. Having photographed the jump, I could turn round and catch the car again as it progressed round the track. The only way of avoiding the tape was to stand next to the track, with the car heading generally in your direction. This next shot was taken at 65mm, meaning the car was almost close enough to touch. In retrospect, very foolish, but it makes for a dramatic shot (I think).

Once the runs were completed, it was time for the prizegiving, and it was at this point that the crowd went completely nuts. The guest was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the captain of the Indian cricket team and, as several people told me, he close to being a god in India. There were a couple of ugly moments as the police wielded batons to push back the crowd; but I managed to retain my spot near the front and get some shots.

So that was the end, time for a sit and a cup of tea? No, there was the prizegiving for the several thousand other entrants that had won a prize, and I had to snap them all. Some thought it was really amusing to spray my camera. It wasn’t.

With a dusty and sticky camera we headed for home. At some traffic lights I took my last shot of the trip:

Yes, a pair of not very convincing lady boys. Felt like I was half way back to Pattaya already!

Send off some shots to the media, backup, pack, eat and off to the airport. A few sleepless hours later and home to she who must be obeyed and the cats.

Regrets: no time to do anything other than work, eat and sleep; must go back and be a tourist. Many thanks to Anna for accommodating me, Kishen for taking me around, Abdulla for recommending me; and to all the people who introduced themselves to me and made me feel welcome. Particular thanks to Dinesh who befriended me on the first day on the stages and proved to be a good shooting companion.

Thank you India.

Comments 🔗

2009-08-26 | The Car Blog » Blog Archive » And on the seventh day he rested says

[…] See the rest here:  And on the seventh day he rested […]

2009-08-27 | Kevin says

Very interesting Spike, and no Ambassador cars in the rally ? Around 20 years ago when I first went to India that was the only car you could get although you did get the choice of either a black or a white one.

2009-08-27 | Jock says

Good series of artciles Spike. I did a coupel of tours of India. For the Rajhastani tour were allocated a white Ambassador and driver courtesy of a hash mate of mine … good recommendation if you decide to go back with SWMBO.

Otherwise do the Kerala trip with 24 hours cruising the Cochin - Alleppey back waters.

I love India - amazing place and great food.

2009-08-27 | Spike says

The Ambassador is still around, only saw white models. I remarked to someone that they looked solid and reliable. “Solid yes, reliable no” was the answer. They look like the bastard love child of a London taxi.

2009-08-27 | Jock says

Typical Indian response - blame it on the British .. or English to be precise :-)

2009-08-27 | Spike says

Just so there is no confusion, the similarity to a London taxi is my observation. Not to be confused with a Scottish taxi which has no brakes and is full of vomit.

2009-08-27 | Billy says

Welcome back. Jock - and get yourself a Gravatar at Gravatar.com …. kindness alone prevents me making suggestions for what it might be :-)

2009-09-02 | NeoteenX says

lol " bastard love child of a London taxi." never thought from this angle :)

Well it was great meeting you in India as you said.. it helps great deal to shoot together an event :) I do hope they ask u to shoot rally at Calcutta and if i am free i might join as official photographer from the MRF side they loved the shots I took of them

2009-09-02 | Spike says

Would be great to shoot with you in Calcutta, still waiting for a response from Anna. Will let you know. Must remember to wash my camera bag before I leave; it still bears the scars from that puddle!