Re: A couple of questions
mjrydsfast said:
Hi Liam.
First, did you go over to Spain as a photographer to get MotoGP access or did you just schmooze your way in by admitting you wanted to be a part of a team and wait for an opening?
Actually, I think everyone out here (in the paddock) had an idea that I was coming to look for work. Based on the connections I made at the '05 USGP, I was already in contact with various teams and personnel before I landed in Spain. Once I was here, though, I technically had nothing, so I did whatever I could to find a spot at the races, whether it was working something small, taking photos, or just "beating the pavement". In the end, it boils down to the thought that you must place yourself in the right position to take advantage of opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be available to you if you weren't there. They say luck is 90% hard work, and I truly believe there's no way to make a dent or an impression on anyone in MotoGP if you're still based in the States. I think I really had to show some stones to get some respect out here, and let them know that I was serious. After watching me through '06 season, I think some people appreciated my work ethic and for the '07 season, I was rewarded with a different position with the team, using my brain more than just being a "helper". By getting promoted, I knocked someone else out of the Championship and in turn brought someone else in. I'll never be able to disclose everything that really happened while I was making inroads into the GP scene - that's just something that everyone has to figure out for themselves and it's different for everyone because we all bring different skills and attributes to the table. What I can say is that it
is possible to break into MotoGP, which is exactly what I set out to do in the first place. If you keep reading the thread, most of this stuff is in there (go a little deeper through the thread), and along the way I've tried to take other neat pictures of little adventures here in Europe while I was trying to make inroads. Definitely, I wouldn't be here without the help of two Nacho's, and I never would have met them if not for some crazy luck - or was it something more?
Second, what is "BCN" that you keep referring to?
Easy. Barcelona!
Third, you mentioned you had room mates as soon as you arrived. So, you had a place to stay when you got there, ahead of time? How did you arrange it?
The guy I met in Shanghai in '05 suggested living in BCN, and he set me up with the original group of people I lived with when I got here. Unfortunately, the vibe wasn't "just" right, and it took me almost a year before I was able to change locations and people.
Fourth, when did the D'Antin deal come about and how? I noticed you were part of the MoviStar crew right away but I don't know how you got that one either. Did the first gig with MoviStar lead to the D'Antin gig?
In a way, yes and no. Once again, my friend Nacho was responsible for the Movistar gig, but the Dantin hook-up was totally separate. A Dorna security guy kept busting me at the USGP, and he recognized me at the Valencia race later that year (wonder why?). I told him why I was there, explained a little bit, showed resumes/references (which doesn't mean anything anyway), and he put me in touch with a young Spanish kid, coincidently named Nacho, also (referred to as Nachete). Nachete was the guy who put me in contact with a D'antin representative to work the Losail cup, and it was while working that race series that I had a chance to spend time with and talk to Luis D'antin. After five races in Qatar, the Spanish National Championship were about to start (and I was thinking I would be working in that series), but it was time to let someone go from the GP team and I got the go ahead to give it shot at the Mugello race.
Enter me in any contests for a free Desmosedici. I have no bike now! Boo hoo...
Yeah, right! I'm working on getting a BMX and you're looking to me to get you a Desmosedici? Work for it, hahaha. You know what I always say - Work Harder, Get Luckier! Problem is, now that I'm in there and moving right along, I don't really have time for a normal life, so you guys should all count yourselves as lucky and remember to really enjoy the pleasures that your life brings you. There are some days where it kills me not to wake up next to someone I've spent years building and nurturing a relationship with - so TAKE YOUR WIVES TO DINNER THIS WEEKEND. Then go home and watch the WSBK races from Assen.
I want to say a HUGE WELCOME to another American Company who has made the commitment to sponsor a team in MotoGP!
WAY TO GO GUYS!!!!!!
