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Winning motorsport photo award a 'pinch me moment'

Craig Evans Craig Evans at a racing event holding his camera. He has spiky light brown hair and round glasses. He is stood in front of a crowd of people and he has a lanyard around his neckCraig Evans
Craig Evans took up photography 10 years ago

A part-time motorsport photographer described winning a national award as a "pinch me moment".

Craig Evans, 27, of Reepham, near Aylsham, Norfolk, took up photography during his AS-Levels, and said taking motor racing photos combined his two biggest passions.

Last month, he was named Motorsport UK's Young Photographer of the Year.

Mr Evans said he hoped the award would help boost his career and enable him to become a photographer full-time.

Craig Evans Pascal Wehrlein wearing a black racing suit and a black and red helmet holding his arms aloft as he celebrates a victoryCraig Evans
This photo of Pascal Wehrlein being crowned Formula E world champion last year helped Mr Evans win the award

"There have been times where I've thought, maybe this isn't for me, maybe I need to find something a bit more stable," he said.

"But the award was kind of a reminder that I'm still doing what I love.

"Yeah there have been some challenges along the way but I'm still persisting with it."

Craig Evans Driver Alex Albon heading around a corner in a black and red Formula 1 car as sparks fly out of the backCraig Evans
Mr Evans said he liked his photography to tell a story - like this photo of F1 driver Alex Albon at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium

Mr Evans said he found a love of motorsport as a toddler when he was "plonked in front of the TV in a highchair" to watch Formula 1.

He received his first photography accreditation by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) - motorsport's world governing body - in 2019 and has since covered events such as F1, British GT, Touring Cars and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

He has also photographed races in Barcelona and Singapore.

However, much of Mr Evans' work has been self-funded by part-time jobs in hospitality.

Craig Evans Craig Evans wearing shorts and a green photographers' vest and sat in a Craig Evans
Mr Evans will use prize money from the Motorsport UK award to buy more photography equipment

"When I won the award I kind of didn't believe it," he added.

"It's been a passion of mine and something I have absolutely loved doing for so long - to be recognised for it was really nice. It was a real pinch-me moment.

"I just hope it acts as a little bit of a springboard. I want to get to a stage where I can just focus on this solely because I love doing it, and it's something I want to do full time."

Craig Evans F1 driver Lewis Hamilton wearing a red cap and a white driving suit as he's held up high by a crowdCraig Evans
This photo of F1 driver Lewis Hamilton winning the British Grand Prix 2019 is among those Mr Evans is most proud of

Mr Evans will be honoured at Motorsport UK's award evening in London later this month where he will receive a trophy and a £1,000 prize.

Motorsport UK is the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK.

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