My Final Race: The 2025 Indy 8 Hours at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Brian Cleary
Oct 24, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 19, 2025

After decades chasing speed, light, and history through a camera lens, my final assignment as a full-time motorsport photographer took place this past weekend at one of the most iconic racing venues in the world — Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The SRO America Championship and the Intercontinental GT World Challenge came together for the season finale, the Indianapolis 8 Hours. This event is always a highlight on the calendar, combining an eight-hour endurance race with a weekend full of action-packed series competing for their respective SRO America season titles.

The Mercedes AMG GT3 of George Kurtz streaks into turn 1 during practice. Photo by Brian Cleary/BCPIX.com

From Petit Le Mans to Indy

I arrived at the Speedway on Wednesday morning, still buzzing from covering the IMSA season finale, Petit Le Mans, the previous weekend at Road Atlanta. At Indy, cars rolled out for alternating test sessions that quickly transitioned into practice, qualifying, and nonstop racing through Sunday afternoon.

Along with general editorial coverage of the event, my clients included Mercedes USA and SRO America.

The Indianapolis road course offers an incredible variety of shooting locations — from tight infield corners to long straights and sweeping curves. As a photographer, the range of lighting conditions is a dream: crisp early mornings, golden-hour afternoons, and the dramatic glow of night racing.

To make the most of it, trackside transportation is essential. My trusty e-bike came in handy once again. With the Speedway’s accommodating setup (and the proper liability coverage), navigating from corner to corner was a breeze.

A Photographer’s Weather Mix

This year’s event delivered a little bit of everything weather-wise — from bright sunshine to heavy overcast skies, and even a Saturday night downpour that soaked the second half of the endurance race. Far from ideal for drivers, but for a motorsport photographer, it was a perfect mix of challenges and creative opportunities.

Sunset practice for the 2025 Indy 8 Hours. Photo by Brian Cleary/BCPIX.com

Closing Out a Career

Capping off the weekend was the season-ending awards gala, a fitting celebration of both competition and community. Looking back, I can say the Indianapolis 8 Hours was the perfect finale to a career filled with unforgettable moments, friendships, and adventures at racetracks around the world.

As I step away from the grind of full-time motorsport coverage, I’m looking forward to more family time, fishing and golf outings, beer sampling, travel for pleasure, and — who knows — maybe an occasional one-off race to photograph just for fun.

No matter what comes next, I’ll always look back fondly on that final weekend at Indy — the place where my motorsport photography journey crossed the finish line.

Reflections on a Journey

Reflecting on my career, I realize how much I’ve learned and experienced. Each race was not just about the speed or the cars; it was about the stories behind them. I’ve met incredible people, from drivers to fans, all sharing a passion for motorsport.

The thrill of capturing the perfect shot is something I will miss. The adrenaline rush as cars zoom past, the sound of engines roaring, and the cheers from the crowd are etched in my memory.

As I transition into this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned and the friendships forged. Photography has been my life, and I hope to continue sharing my passion in new ways.