Faces at the Races: 2015 Detroit SX

Photos and captions by Billy Rainford

It reminds me a lot of that Simpsons episode where Homer is afraid of New York City. For some reason, people still freak out a little at the prospect of heading into Detroit, Michigan. There’s really no reason to be nervous…there’s nothing there! Well, that was true a few years ago. The city looks to be undergoing a serious dose of gentrification these days. Trendy little pubs and coffee houses are popping up all over the place. More and more of the ‘scary’ buildings and neighborhoods have been bull-dozed and the core of the city will look completely different in a few years. It really does have a different feel than it did just a short 3 years ago.

Anyway, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross made its stop at Ford Field this past Saturday. This isn’t the place to go over results. This is a place to have a look at the PEOPLE who got the results and the PEOPLE who make these events as amazing as they are, so sit back and have a look at some of the ‘Faces at the Races.’

I’m an old punk rocker from ‘back in the day,’ so any chance I get to use the caption: Punk’s not dead! …I take it.

Twins, Basil!

@spikman and I headed upstairs to get the requisite fireworks shot. It’s just not the same with daylight savings time, though.

It all looks so cool on TV…when you don’t see the guys waiting for their names to be called.

Someone always sucks up to the local crowd by wearing the home team’s football jersey. This week it was Ryan Dungey.

I’m a surfer who never even wanted to try windsurfing because there’s just too much rigging to mess with. Well…

Dungey waiting for his number to be called.

After all the intros, the riders line up for a quick in-house chat. Here’s Trey Canard waiting his turn. This would be the highlight of his night…

It almost looks like #3 Eli Tomac knows something others don’t here. It would turn out he did! He killed it in Detroit.

A Ryan Dungey fan in the crowd.

It was a good road trip to Detroit with Tyler Spikman. Unfortunately, our next one to St. Louis has been canceled.

Person running from fire is the logo. Nice.

It’s OK, Chad Reed. We can wait while you ‘take care of business.’

The look of a confident winner.

Monster Girl shot. No, that’s not a Detroit headline!

“I’ll be to the left of the stage after the podium ceremony.”

There’s one (or in this case, two) in every crowd.

At some point, Marvin Musquin had to just walk away and get on with business. Sorry, kids.

Why is this man smiling?! Oh ya, the race hasn’t started yet. It was a tough night for Martin Davalos in Detroit.

Can Con! The Kevin Tyler clan from MX101. Rumours were that Mitchell Oldenburg was ‘this close’ to signing on as the second 250F rider for the team…the search continued in Detroit.

I seem to remember taking this shot a couple times now. Ford Field is a nice stadium and the press box is easy to get to and from…unlike a lot of the other stadiums we go to.

Spikman hamming it up. What has two thumbs and had a beard before hipsters were doing it?!

Ha. Nice lid.

Musquin’s Sears catalog pose. Pointing up and to the right would have capped it off.

Dirt Wurx head honcho, Rich Winkler. He always makes sure to remove his reading glasses first. We shared a laugh when I pulled my glasses out.

Todd and Rachel Kuli’s (bottom left) Wheatley/Leamington/WIndsor box. Thanks for the hospitality, gang.

Billy Mullen (right) told me he got a new bike for 2015. Look out, folks!

All we do after the races is run around trying to get ‘hug shots’ like this.

Justin Bogle broke Musquin’s win streak Saturday night. His mechanic, Grant Hutcheson, was pleased.

The Monster Girl on the far left just can’t get enough of me and my camera…

I don’t think I’ve EVER been to a race in the States where he hasn’t also been.

One more Monster Girl shot.

Ken Essex at the podium.

The one thing Marvin was happy to finish second for – he got to spray Bogle this time.

If you’re a moto photographer, Simon Cudby is your Roger Decoster. He took a champagne hit last week.

Wherever he goes, people automatically line up and pose. I should just stand over his shoulder next time.

Yep, Andrew Short got another holeshot award. Cheer up, Andrew!

Eli Tomac’s mechanic, Brian Kranz, shouldn’t have too much to do this week. Do what you did in Detroit!

Cole Seely’s mechanic, Rich Simmons, at the podium.

The Musquin Gang.

Making sure to get the cell phone shot of Shorty on the podium.

What do you think Jim Holley and Aldon Baker are talking about?

I bet a lot of younger riders don’t realize that Broc Glover was the Broc Glover of his time.

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams…(Google it, Bowker!)

Yep, this was for Cudby too.

That’s our own Jeff ‘McThoughts’ McConkey and his lovely gf Melissa. I told you I’d use the one where you tried to get out of the shot, Melissa!

Jason Anderson during track walk. It was not going to be his night.

Ya, it’s a little out of focus but I’m still using this one of Adam Enticknap.

One of Team RCH’s namesakes, Carey Hart, getting an in-house interview.

Sorry, Canada’s Dave Gowland, this is the best (and only) shot I got of you.

Oak Hill’s Mitchell Oldenburg with the thumbs up during track walk.

Justin Brayton was back in action in Detroit.

I jockeyed around all night trying to get a shot of Nick Wey and the ‘Finish’ sign in case this is the last time we see him in Detroit.

Some riders just aren’t as thrilled as others to see the big lens pointed straight at them. I get it.

Ryan Dungey walking the track.

Are you guys sponsored?

How about you guys?

Mike Larocco is all business these days…just like he was when he raced.

Weston Peick had the speed but not the luck in Detroit.

This one is calling out to be captioned. Any ideas?

Justin Bogle Saturday morning.

Joey Savatgy didn’t know it here, but he was about to have a great Saturday in Detroit.

Broc Tickle.

Basically, I walk the track backwards in the morning and make myself as awkward as I can. Sorry, everyone.

I don’t even know who everyone is, but who doesn’t like to see photos of themselves?

Detroit/Pontiac has always been know for heading up into the stands. I raced amateur day back in 1987 (ouch!) and I have to say I didn’t really enjoy it.