CARLSBAD, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014) – One of the most respected and well-known entities in drag racing photography is set to undergo a major restructuring in preparation for an all-new season of NHRA’s Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. In 2014, Carlsbad, California-based Auto Imagery will celebrate its 35th year of frontline photography in the most diverse and powerful form of motorsports. With the special anniversary comes a significant change that, although somewhat poignant, will also bring a fresh perspective.
"After 35 years, my friend and associate, Dave Kommel, will not be joining us for the 2014 NHRA season," shared Auto Imagery President Richard Shute. "He will be missed, but hopefully, he will be able to work through a few items on his own bucket list. Our relationship has spanned over three and a half decades – that’s a lot longer than most marriages! We thank Dave for 35 years of hard work and dedication, and we wish him the best."
Kommel, a valued friend to members of the community and racers across all NHRA categories, notes that with change comes opportunity.
"After 30-plus years of being on the road constantly, I’m looking forward to spending more time at home with my wonderful wife," said Kommel, who will celebrate 30 years of marriage with wife, Debbie, in 2014. "I will miss the many friends I have made on the tour and around the country but relish the thought of being able to do things I was never able to do before, such as Bonneville Speed Week."
Although his longtime business associate’s departure isn’t taken lightly, Shute looks to the future with optimism.
"Changes within our sport have demanded changes within Auto Imagery, and we look forward to working with some of the new stars in drag racing photography," said Shute. "It will be interesting to see the Next Generation of drag racers through the lenses of a new breed of photographers.
"I will be working with new talent at most of the races, and I’m excited to give each and every one of them the opportunity to excel. I’m sure they can teach me a thing or two."
Lou Gasparelli from West Covina, California USA (Comp Number: 7735) 1985 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 7 "Lou Gasparelli" Owned by Lou Gasparelli from West Covina, California USA '82 Chevrolet Camaro by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 518 cubic inch Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 […]
Steve Bunyard from Placentia, California USA (Comp Number: 6047) 1985 - Category: COMPDRAG, Type: PN, Class: A/D, Div: 7 "Steve Bunyard" Owned by Steve Bunyard from Placentia, California USA Dragster by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 502 cubic inch Oldsmobile with 5 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: 7.510 at NHRA Phoenix […]
Mike Adams from Phoenix, Arizona USA (Comp Number: 708) 1999 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: CIFCA, Div: 7 "Lightfoot" Owned by Mike Adams from Phoenix, Arizona USA '94 Pontiac Grand Am by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a Unknown cubic inch Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: […]
Bob Alberty from Muskogee, Oklahoma USA (Comp Number: 410) 1999 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 4 "RACE Thunderin\' Okie" Owned by Bob Alberty from Muskogee, Oklahoma USA 1998 Pontiac Firebird by Bob Massey | Powered by a 541 cubic inch WAR Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: 5.906 at […]
Mike Andreotti from Colusa, California USA (Comp Number: 6097) 1999 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 7 "Andreotti Bros." Owned by Andreotti Bros. from Colusa, California USA '92 Dodge Daytona by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 526 cubic inch Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: […]
Sarge Arciero from Broomall, Pennsylvania USA (Comp Number: 108) 1971 - Category: TOPFUEL, Type: TN, Class: AA/FD, Div: 2 "Sparks & Careccia" Owned by George Sparks & Eddie Careccia from Hialeah, Florida USA '69 Dragster by Lester Guillory | Powered by a 392 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi with 2 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: […]
Lance Van Hauen from Reinbeck, Iowa USA (Comp Number: 556) 1994 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 5 "Ground Force" Owned by Van Hauen Bros. from Reinbeck, Iowa USA '94 Chevrolet Lumina by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 527 cubic inch BAE Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission […]
Tim Wilkerson from Springfield, Illinois USA 1994 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 3 "NAPA Auto Parts" Owned by Tim Wilkerson from Springfield, Illinois USA '93 Pontiac Formula by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 526 cubic inch BAE Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile ET: 5.950 […]
Pete Brozene from Reading, Pennsylvania USA (Comp Number: 123) 1994 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 1 "B.R.E. Supercharger Service" Owned by Pete Brozene from Reading, Pennsylvania USA '92 Chevrolet Beretta by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 526 cubic inch Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed manual transmission 1/4 Mile […]
David Burch from Clinton Township, Michigan USA (Comp Number: 1154) 1994 - Category: ALKYFC, Type: CN, Class: TA/FC, Div: 3 "Second Wind Racing" Owned by David Burch from Clinton Township, Michigan USA '94 Pontiac Trans Am by an Unknown chassis builder | Powered by a 526 cubic inch BAE Keith Black Hemi with 3 speed […]