IF YOU’ VE EVER BEEN staring through a windshield onto the open racetrack ahead, you understand how drag racing can extend a few intense seconds into a lifelong memory. For those lucky enough to be caught in the crosshairs of Robert Richard’ s viewfinder, that millisecond of action will be expertly immortalized in an effort to transport you right back into the driver’ s seat. And the 21-yearold professional photographer wouldn’ t have it any other way, because the most unexpected shot is absolutely the one he strives to capture.

“ You never know what’ s going to happen,” Richard excitedly explains.“ Nine out of 10 times, a car will go straight down the racetrack, but that one pass that it doesn’ t, and it does some wild stuff – that’ s what I love to capture. That’ s what makes me want to get out of bed and want to do this every day. When that Pro Mod shakes the tires, kicks up on the wheelie bar, and has the front end up to 330 feet … even the bracket racers that never do wheelstands but they go and drag the bumper one time, it’ s great.”

Before adjusting aperture and shutter speed, Richard was introduced to the sport by his father and spent time checking the tire pressure and tightening his five-point harness in a Jr. Dragster. He drove from the ages of eight to 16, earned a track championship during his 7.90 days, and even had a brief outing in a full-sized dragster. His mother familiarized him with photography by letting him borrow her camera while they watched the NHRA national event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. Eventually, his focus shifted to focal length and image composition, and thanks to the encouragement and assistance of 2018 DI 30 Under 30 honoree Cole Rokosky, Richard began making a name for himself in the drag racing media ranks.

“ It’ s very unfortunate the way it happened, but when Billy Albert wrecked at Maple Grove [ Raceway ] against Fredy Scriba, that was really the moment that started everything,” Richard remembers.“ That was the first piece of work I ever had featured in Drag Illustrated and the first time anyone had ever talked to me about using my work. It really expanded from there.”

Richard credits a knack for being in the right place at the right time; however, when it comes to the high-speed nature of motorsports photography, the media must have a relatively quick reaction time of their own. And while some of the movements come naturally, Richard’ s recipe for success includes a never-quit-learning mentality where he spends his limited free time sharpening his skills for the next outing.

“ If I could tell somebody who wants to get into this industry what to do, it’ s practice,” he says.“ You won’ t get better at your craft by sitting around doing nothing; you have to get out as much as you can. Even if it’ s just shooting cars going by on a public road, it’ s all practice and will help you get better at things. I can’ t tell you the number of times I’ ve gone to my local track and just practiced, especially panning, as much as I can to get better at what I do.”

Richard gathers inspiration by following photographers and creators in other forms of motorsports, with the hope of adapting the unique style and perspectives to his passion for drag racing. He spends a lot of time on the road, including a first-time trip to The Strip at Las Vegas Speedway this season, before heading south for the winter, where he will nearly become a Florida resident in his motorhome from Thanksgiving until mid-March. Luckily, he will have the company of his mom, Stacey, his girlfriend, Bailey, and a new four-legged friend, Autumn. He aspires

to one day photograph at any racetrack in Australia and make the trip to Alaska Raceway Park for the immaculate views.

The notoriety and exposure that come from being recognized as a 30 Under 30 honoree will likely aid in achieving his long-term goals. Yet, like most in their early 20s, what lies ahead for Richard is left enticingly unscripted and overflowing with optimism.

“ Having the 30 Under 30 will definitely open a lot of doors for me,” he says.“ I think it will make things a little easier, but I will definitely be working just as hard as I have, if not harder, to make what I want to happen. At the end of the day, that’ s what matters. This may help open a path for me further down the road, whatever that may be … I’ ve covered a lot that I’ ve really wanted to cover, but who knows? You never know what lies at the end of the tunnel.”

Whatever awaits, Robert Richard will undoubtedly have his camera in hand, ready to capture every second. – JESSICA HICKS SPEARS DI

PHOTO: TARA BOWKER