(Words and Photos by Greg Rourke) – Not long ago I would try to get access to the wall at drag strips to take photos. The answer was always “no”. Then I started sending a few galleries from car shows and swap meets to BangShift. After that, I could honestly say I was a BangShift contributor, and the red carpet was rolled out. Not only did I get access, but I got season passes to the tracks. BangShift opened doors for me.
I’m fortunate in that I’m part of a team with my good friend of 40 years, Bob Chiluk. This year we started with the Race and Performance Expo, hit a few bracket races, and the Hunnert Car Heads Up. In June, Brian and Chad hooked us up with credentials for the Route 66 Nationals, an event we never thought we could shoot. Standing at the wall with nitro cars 10 feet away was like getting hit in the chest with a cannonball. After the first pair I almost went home, every sense told me not to stand there. We met legendary photographers Roger Richards and Michelle Simmons, along with many racers, pro and sportsman. Later we shot the World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova, an event everyone should attend. Throw in a few car shows and cruise nights, a few shop features, it was truly a great year. Thank you so much Brian and Chad. It’s an honor being a small part of the team, and getting my stuff featured along with all the great contributors to BangShift.
Here’s a few of my favorite shots from the year. I had a hard time selecting just a few, every photo I took this year had good memories.
Great shots. Thanks for them.
Nice shots Greg!
Great work , thanks!
Wow! So happy to see you are doing what you love! Proud of you!