How to Get Accredited as a Motorsport Photographer

If you’ve ever stood trackside with your camera pressed against the fence, dreaming of shooting from the inside of the barriers, you’ve probably wondered: How do I get accredited as a motorsport photographer?

Accreditation is the golden ticket — it grants you access to restricted areas, the pit lane, media centres, and vantage points that the public can’t reach. But getting one isn’t as simple as filling out a form; it’s about proving your professionalism, reliability, and safety awareness.

1. Understand What Accreditation Actually Means

Accreditation is permission from the event organizers or governing body to work trackside in an official capacity.
It’s not just about snapping cool shots — it’s a professional role that comes with responsibilities:

• Safety: Knowing where to stand (and where not to stand) to avoid danger.

• Professionalism: Representing a legitimate media outlet or client.

• Deliverables: Providing imagery that supports coverage of the event.

If you’re after better photos for personal use, accreditation probably isn’t the right route — most events/circuits prohibit purely hobbyist access for safety and liability reasons.

2. Build a Portfolio First

Before applying, you’ll need a strong motorsport-specific portfolio that proves you can shoot high-speed action, the emotion of racing, and candid team moments.

• Start small: Local karting events, grassroots rallies, or club racing series often allow easier media access. Local rallies are a good way to build a portfolio as media accreditation isn’t essential for getting amazing pictures.

• Show variety: Mix panning shots, close-ups, and wide track scenes.

• Consistency matters: Event organizers want photographers who can deliver sharp, usable images every time.

3. Partner with a Media Outlet or Team

Most major events won’t give accreditation to freelancers “just for personal work.”
You’ll usually need to be assigned by a publication, website, recognised motorsport organisation, team or driver.
This could be:

• A motorsport news site.

• A local newspaper covering the race.

• A racing team/driver needing official photos.

Pro tip: Offer your services to smaller outlets that can benefit from race coverage — you’ll both win.

4. Learn the Specific Requirements

Different series and circuits have different rules. Examples:

• FIA events (Formula 1, WEC, WRC): Applications often go through the FIA’s press office and require proof of prior published work.

• National series: Contact the championship’s media coordinator (depending on the circuit this can be managed by the track media team).

• Club events: Usually handled directly by the circuit or event promoter.

Accreditation deadlines are often weeks or months in advance — missing them means you’ll be watching from the grandstands.

5. Apply with the Right Documentation

Typical accreditation applications ask for:

• Your full contact information.

• A covering letter from your media outlet or team.

• Links or PDFs of recent published motorsport work.

• Proof of public liability insurance (mandatory for trackside access).

• Sometimes a copy of your ID or press card.

6. Prove You’re Safety-Aware

Trackside photography can be dangerous — cars leave the racing line, debris flies, and you need to stay alert at all times.

• Learn the flag signals and what each means for you as a photographer.

• Never cross the track without official permission.

• Wear the correct media tabard (issued by the event).

Many organisers will not approve anyone without demonstrated knowledge of track safety.

7. Build Relationships

Like much in motorsport, accreditation can be helped by who you know.

• Introduce yourself to media officers at smaller events, team personnel and in some cases drivers.

• Be polite, professional, and deliver on your promises.

• Share your images promptly with the outlet that assigned you.

If you’re reliable, you’ll be top of mind for the next event.

Getting accredited as a motorsport photographer is a process — part skill, part persistence, and part networking. Start small, build your reputation, and treat every assignment like it’s the most important one of your career.

One day, you’ll be on the inside of the barriers, hearing the roar of the engines from the spot the fans would love to be. And that’s when you’ll know the hard work was worth it.