Earlier this year, MotoGP invited ESPN to capture behind-the-scenes photographs at one of its grands prix. Austria's stunning Red Bull Ring provided the most scenic of backdrops, while the sport's 11 teams offered unprecedented access to the inner sanctums of their race weekends.
What we found was a racing series that has retained its intoxicating rawness while delivering the pinnacle of two-wheel racing to millions of fans around the world. The on-track action blends exceptional talent with astonishing bravery, while tight-knit and dedicated teams ensure the show goes on week after week.
The whole sport runs rich on a heady mix of skill and sacrifice, and as we uncovered, it has the scars to prove it.