Photography student shines a light on the human stories behind banger racing

BA (Hons) photography student, Joel Hazelwood, 21, from the North Wales coast, has created Rodders and Wreckers – a striking photographic series that explores the close-knit community at the heart of banger racing.

Often perceived as little more than high-speed collisions and chaos, Joel’s work reveals a different side of the sport. Through observational imagery, he captures the drivers, mechanics, families and spectators whose shared passion and dedication keep the scene alive.

Rather than focusing solely on the spectacle of crashes, Rodders and Wreckers documents the camaraderie and craftsmanship that define the community – the countless hours spent restoring vehicles, supporting one another in workshops and paddocks, and passing knowledge down through generations.

“Banger racing can be easy to dismiss at first glance, but when you look closer, there’s a real sense of belonging and support. It’s more than a sport, it’s a way of life for many people involved, ” says Joel.

The project is also deeply personal, inspired by Joel’s love of motorsport and his family history. “My grandad raced bangers before I was born, so this was a way of exploring a part of his life while creating something meaningful for my own future,” he explains.

Shot entirely on medium-format 120 film, the series also reflects Joel’s passion for analogue photography – a skill he developed during his time at Solent, alongside refining his techniques in the University’s professional darkroom facilities.

Joel’s final major project not only offers an affectionate and humanising portrayal of a misunderstood subculture, it also marks the beginning of Joel’s ambition to pursue a career in motorsport photography.

Joel’s work will be available to view at Solent University’s Summer Degree Show 2026, where creative courses showcase their final year work from 8-10 June at the University’s East Park Terrace campus.