Test Track Sniper?

Before I start to talk about the test tracks out in the hills of Corona, let me clear up a misconception about a guy they call the "Factory Sniper." There has been some debate in the past regarding taking photos out at the test tracks and whether or not it's cool to do so.

If the factories really didn't want anybody out there to shoot, they would make sure nobody could get close to the track. Almost every time I stop by to check out the activity, there are usually other people out there watching too. Sometimes they ask you not to take photos (usually Yamaha and Honda) and that's all they have to say to me. I put the camera away and just watch.

One time, this so called Factory Sniper was contacted by the editor of a well known moto mag and sent on a mission to shoot (photos, obviously) of a certain person who runs the #2. Apparentely he was supposed to be out testing one of the first EFI bikes to hit American soil.

So BrownDog, er...I mean The Factory Sniper was sent out on a reconnaissance mission to capture the action. Once he was there, it was pretty clear that the guys in red didn't want any photos taken. It was pretty obvious that this was the case, as when the massive 300mm lens used to shoot this photo was spotted they shut down testing, immediately. Eventually the bike was started up and a few blurry shots ended up turning out. Luckily, one of the shots was good enough to publish and made it into the mag with a full article, and a nod to The Factory Sniper!

So if the "Sniper" term does ever come up, that is where it originated. But don't worry, myself and this Factory Sniper fella have never knocked down a fence, nor busted a lock to get a shot.

With that, it is that time of year again and there are only a couple more races on the Outdoor schedule, so what does that mean? SX is on every riders mind and they will be out there testing soon! I can't wait to get back out there and watch and shoot some photos for those of you around the world that aren't able to drive 45 minutes to see the factory guys ride every day.

Is there anything in particular that you'd like to see? Let me know and I'll see what I can do for ya.

BDW