James Hedley’s connection to motorsport was forged long before cameras or credentials entered the picture. Growing up in the UK, his earliest memories involve early morning hikes through Kielder Forest to watch the British Rally Championship thunder past.
Legends like Colin McRae and Richard Burns weren’t names on television screens - they were real, visceral moments, with McRae’s famous “maximum attack” style leaving a lasting impression as cars blasted through forest stages on three wheels.
That passion followed the family south to Knockhill, where annual trips to the British Touring Car Championship became a tradition. Motorsport was not just a hobby in the Hedley household - it was part of everyday life. Formula 1 calendars lined the walls, DVRs were packed with recorded races, and weekends often started before sunrise to catch F1, Dakar Rally, or DTM on Eurosport.
Even family milestones were shaped by racing, with James’ youngest sibling named in tribute to Jordan Grand Prix’s first Formula 1 victory at Spa-Francorchamps in 1998, a rain-soaked classic that left its mark on the entire family.
While motorsport was always central, photography arrived later - and from an unexpected direction. Trackside cameras were traditionally his father’s domain, and for years James simply absorbed the atmosphere.
Everything changed in 2018 when life took a sudden turn following his wife’s serious illness. During long periods of care and recovery, motorsport became both escape and connection. In 2019, between responsibilities at home, James began experimenting with virtual photography through the Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon games.
What started as a quiet creative outlet quickly revealed something deeper. His wife immediately noticed a distinct eye in his work - something James himself hadn’t recognised. She encouraged him to keep going, often asking to see new images when she felt able. Without telling him, she even created an Instagram account to share his work.
When engagement grew beyond what she could manage, she surprised him with the reveal - explaining that from the very first image, she believed there was something genuinely special in how he saw motorsport.
That belief proved well-founded. James’ Forza photography began gaining attention beyond the gaming world, opening doors to real-world recognition from racing teams, sponsors, and industry professionals.
He produced digital imagery for a former Motul Brand Manager, used across Zoom backdrops and media features, and collaborated with the Forza community to preview a BMW M8 GT3 livery ahead of the 12 Hours of Sebring. Throughout this period, an online network of creatives and motorsport fans offered encouragement that helped push his confidence forward at a critical time.
As his work evolved, so did the opportunities. Invitations to attend IMSA events followed, bringing both excitement and nerves. Despite having no formal experience with real-world motorsport photography, James quickly realised that the compositional instincts developed in the virtual world translated seamlessly trackside.
Looking back at his earliest Forza images alongside his current work, the similarities are unmistakable - a consistent eye for framing, motion, and storytelling.
At the heart of James’ approach is a clear philosophy. Motorsport, to him, is never just about cars on track. It is about people, teams, sponsors, and the collective passion that makes the sport possible. His work places strong emphasis on authentic storytelling, respectful sponsor representation, and capturing the integrity of drivers and teams. Visually, he favours natural, true-to-life colour, avoiding heavy oversaturation so that each image feels honest and grounded.
Above all, James aims to create photographs that resonate beyond the paddock. Whether it’s dedicated motorsport fans or those with no prior interest in racing, his images are designed to spark curiosity and emotional connection. He has seen this impact first-hand - friends, family, and even complete non-fans drawn in by the artistry of motorsport imagery, asking to see more and finding beauty where they never expected it.
Joining Pitlane News in 2026 marks a significant next chapter. With the platform’s backing and support, James is excited to showcase motorsport events across the United States, bringing his distinctive perspective to the Pitlane News audience.
Grateful for the opportunities already presented and motivated by the journey ahead, he remains driven by one core goal - to do justice to the drivers, the teams, the sponsors, and the sport he has loved his entire life.
