Motorcycle Racing Photographer NHMS CCS MotoAmerica
Michael ONeill Photographer Writer Motorcyclist Adventurer
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Motorcycle Racing Photographer NHMS CCS MotoAmerica

"Victory Lap". Motorcycle riders will tell you that doing a victory lap waving to the fans who cheered you on is the second best feeling a motorcycle road racer can ever experience. The first is the sensation of champagne spraying all over you as you celebrate on the podium and collect your trophy in the winner’s circle after the race. Capturing these emotional moments is as gratifying to me as a motorsports photographer as capturing all the action on the track. It is what I do. I bring thirty years of experience as a commercial portrait photographer with me to the track every weekend. I think it gives me an edge in capturing the personalities that make up the sport…not just the defining moments on the track. I have done public relations and sponsor solicitation work for a NASCAR racer who made it to the highest level of competition…The Monster Energy Cup Series. I have photographed not just the top fuel dragsters, the funny cars and the pro stock cars of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, but also some of the personalities behind the scenes…team members, family members and sponsor representatives and guests. This is not to say I don’t love photographing the action. A typical season will see me trackside at Pirelli World Challenge (PWC), NASCAR, MotoAmerica, IMSA WeatherTech, Indy Car, CCS (Championship Cup Series) and NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. As a contributing photographer to many motorsports racing publications and internet based news services I find myself called upon to cover a diverse spectrum of events. I study each event carefully beforehand, knowing who to watch and where to watch them. I study track maps and satellite imagery to choose the best possible positions for great action shots. I work closely with track officials and media coordinators to adhere strictly to the rules imposed upon us. Give me a call with your next racing assignment, editorial feature, advertising or public relations needs. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you.