Tony Goodger ARPS

Statement of Intent 

I’ve been a passionate follower of the sport of drag racing in the UK for over 40 years. I was asked to photograph one of the top teams in the Fuel Funny Car class. These race cars have around 10,000 horse power and can reach speeds of 285mph in just 4.3 seconds.

The brief from the team principle was to record the inner workings of the team from within the pit area to the start line, as seen from a crew members’ point of view.

My panel is made up of candid images that show the effort, concentration and sometimes tension behind the dramatic spectacle that is Top Fuel drag racing, with the power, sound and smells that this entails.

As mentioned in my Statement of Intent I’ve been a follower of drag racing in the UK since the mid 1970s and competed in the minor classes for a year or two at that time.

Most of my drag racing images over the years were taken purely as a spectator. When the opportunity came for me to photograph how a top team operate, how could I say no! The experience of kneeling 3 metres behind a nitro Funny Car on the start line trying to capture the moment of launch is something I will never forget.

All of these images were taken at the Santa Pod drag strip in Bedfordshire UK.

For anyone considering applying for a distinction at any of the 3 levels, I would highly recommend going to the advisory day for the relevant category of that distinction. Not only will you benefit from having your own work reviewed but to hear the comments on other panels can be very informative.