THE LEPRACHAUN HAS BEEN BUSY!

Mike Smith was the subject of one of Rick McDowells journalistic efforts.

Many drag racers would say that there is no such a thing as, "The Off Season", with construction, sourcing parts and more going on right through the winter months. And it's no different for Rick McDowell Photo Journalism. Now entering his eighth consecutive season of photography at the Perth Motorplex, Rick's National and International magazine feature articles relating to the Plex haven't stopped since the last National Open event back in April, with season wrap ups in Street Commodores Magazine, Xtreme Fords Magazine, Performance Fords Magazine, Xtreme Holdens Magazine and more. Rick's Motorvation coverage has only just ended too, with a recent spread in the UK's Banzai Magazine for the turbo and Japper brigade, but fans of this genre should now be checking out the very latest issue of Australia's High Performance Imports Magazine - complete with Rick's 7 page spread on the Drag Warz event from back in May. And for something completely different, a recent issue of Street Xtreme Magazine had Rick's full spread on Rod Peatey's Super Street GTS Monaro. But what is Rick working on right now in preperation for the new season ? "It's Ford city at the moment," stated the popular Irishman. "We just sorted out Mike Smith's static shoot for Xtreme Fords Magazine and have about another 4 of WA's leading Perth Motorplex Fords going through the system." Holden fans should not be dissapointed however. "Xtreme Holdens Magazine will have our full feature on the Oberg Super Sedan Torana out real soon," said Rick, "and we're talking with quite a few Holden owners about full features at the moment too."

The latest issue of High Performance Imports features some of Ricks fine work. Click HERE to see larger image

One aspect to Rick's work which some find a little strange however, is his lack of a website to view photos. Rick explains that he is not in the business of selling images to drivers, rather, his whole purpose is to put the Motorplex, its cars and personalities into National and International Magazines. As Rick bluntly puts it, "If people really want to see my work then they only have to go to an Australian newsagents - there are plenty of them around the place." Keep an eye out for more updates on Rick's Photo Journalistic endevours with his regular Street Chatter column in the Motorplex's National Open programmes and if you think you have a vehicle that deserves a National Magazine feature, then simply send a few quick snaps and some details to the man himself at: ricphoto@iinet.net.au