JESSE ALEXANDER
Alexander captures the essence of his subjects in shots taken during the heat of action on the track, after the race on the podium, or in the pits. An intent, oil-covered Stirling Moss is seen taking his Mercedes through Spas La Source corner in 1955. Jack Brabham and Dan Gurney both appear in striking profile as they wait in their cars on the grid. Away from the track, an animated John Surtees is caught in mid-sentence as Enzo Ferrari glowers in the background. Other great personalities represented include Mario Andretti, Graham Hill, Phil Hill, Bruce McLaren, Peter Revson, and Carroll Shelby.
As in his previous books, Porsche Moments and Ferrari Grand Prix Moments, Alexanders portraits are rich with evocative details of a bygone era in racing. They also extend beyond drivers and team principals to present the mechanics, crewmen, friends, and family who all contributed to the atmosphere and color of the sport.
Jesse Alexander's portraits are characterized by a combination of the openness of his subjects and the beautiful, almost painterly composition of the images. It's this quality that gives his photographs their unusual intimacy and poignancy. Drivers and team principals appear relaxed and unguarded, a result of Alexander's personal friendships and familiarity with the teams. And Alexander's own notes and reminiscences of each portrait adds to the reader's enjoyment and understanding of the image. Though best known for his work from the 1950s through the 1970s, many of Alexander's recent photographs are included here.