'DIAMOND' LUKE NIEUWHOF WINS THE BLING!

This startline explosion may have resulted in a hefty repair bill for Jay Upton but it was very rewarding for West Australian photo journalist Luke Nieuwhof!

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The trip made by West Australia’s Luke Nieuwhof to last year’s Castrol EDGE Winternationals has paid off with his firey image announced as the overall winner in the second Wallace Bishop Jewellers National Photographic competition at a special gala presentation prior to the 41st Winternationals. His image, titled ‘Rocket Man’, was taken during the 2007 Queen’s Birthday celebration at Willowbank Raceway, capturing Top Bike competitor Jay Upton leaving the start line, and is currently featured in a public exhibition at the Ipswich Art Gallery. On hand to present the award and the accompanying 50-point half carat diamond first prize to the 22 year old last night at the Ipswich Art Gallery, was Wallace Bishop Jewellers Chief Executive Officer and Group One Top Doorslammer competitor Stuart Bishop. The World’s fastest jeweller was more than impressed with the quality of entrants during the second year of the competition.

Luke pictured with Wallace Bishop CEO Stuart Bishop, Ben and Victor Bray...and what became a trend over the weekend also some attractive ladies...they want you for your mind Luke...not that BIG diamond!

“I’d like to congratulate Luke for his efforts plus all our category finalists and winners and particularly thank the drag racing fans throughout Australia who submitted entries,” said Bishop. “The whole idea with the Wallace Bishop Jewellers photographic competition is to give regular race goers an interactive opportunity at any track in the country and the chance to win some great prizes. “As can be seen by the finalists this year, we are looking at genuine creativity and something a little different with the images submitted. “Drag racing is a true passion of mine and I encourage everyone to keep on snapping as we aim to be back with a revamped program soon, so watch this space!” “Wow, how great is this to win,” said Nieuwhof. “I’m not sure what I am going to do with the diamond as yet,” Nieuwhof laughed, “I will have to have a think on that one. “Seriously though, it is great to win, I would like to give my congratulations to all the other finalists and winners, and a big thank you to Stuart Bishop and Wallace Bishop Jewellers for putting on this competition.” Click HERE to see full story and other images.