One of the most difficult things I get to do each year is try to pick from nearly 500,000 images to provide a few of my most compelling images. I know I will find many later on they should have been included in this list but these are what I selected at this time. Most are not especially photographic gems but rather the story behind the image and what it means to me.- Roger Richards

I got the opportunity to bring my new pug to the track and he found a friendly nose to bite.My choice to drive to as many events as possible has allowed me to view some of the most astounding scenery such as this rainbow in Arizona just outside of Mesa.2013 has been an exceptionally difficult year weather wise and this pit image is indicative of the year.One of my favorite things to shoot during the season is people and their reactions to happenings at the track. Such as Quain Stott’s reaction to an aborted run by a car using his tune-up’.NHRA’s first visit to the northeast allowed me to again visit some of the beauty of this country. This is probably the most photographed lighthouse in the country.People enjoying the track atmosphere and the great family participation is the most fascinating part of drag racing and is one of my favorite things to shoot.
This young girl and her father made their way to the fence to get as close as possible to the action as her hero, Alexis Dejoria, made a pass in her nitro funny car.This year afforded me the opportunity to see a rebirth of Gasser racing at my local track in Greer, S.C. The racing and the atmosphere is something that is missing in the huge national events.Watching the teams run at Gasser events is true enjoyment. Running and not even paying attention to numbers is even more fun for this style of racing.I had the privilege to be there when local southern legend, Gene Cromer, drove his restored Moonlighter gasser to the first round win in 40 years at 81 years of age.Another standout moment for me was in watching Pro Stock star Erica Enders Stevens participate in nitrous Pro Mod racing.
Attending the annual SEMA event provides some great cars and models to photograph. Probably the most iconic moment of the year for me was the pass made at INDY by the restored Snake and Mongoose car ramp trucks.I get to travel the world following my passion of photography but it is amazing what you can see on your own back porch if you just take time to look.
Drag racing is mostly a family sport and it is truly wonderful to see a wife in total support and participating fully with her husband. Leeza Diehl and husband Jeff are the epitome of a family having fun on their terms.This image to me epitomizes the struggle of the driver in his prime trying to knock the old champion and that old champion digging down to find the ability to win one more time.One on the unfortunate things innate to our sport is the potential for a disaster. This image of Ron Capps suffering an explosion is a prime example.

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