From memory my first ever published photograph was of a RAF Hawk trainer taken at RAF Brawdy way back in the 1970’s, which appeared on the front cover of the British Aviation Review. I got a great buzz the first time I saw my work in print and to this day, when ever I see one of my pictures published the buzz is still the same. 

My early years were spent photographing military aircraft, firstly in the U.K. before I turned my attention towards mainland Europe and the many shows and military exercises that were taking part at the time.

I have many memories of these times, from the lows of the occasional run in with the forces of military law enforcement, to the highs of flying low over Germany in a Bell UH-1D Iroquois helicopter. The latter event took place with the doors wide open and being held in place by just a lap strap, with the chopper being flown by a pilot with just a handful of hours to his credit! 

Only having the use of public transport, I was unable to travel far and cars (such as this small block engined Ford Pop - very popular at this time) were photographed on the occasional visit to the Midlands Custom Show.

This took place at Bingley Hall in Birmingham, before the old building was burnt down and replaced by the ICC and Symphony Hall. It was at this time that I first saw Dave Fisher’s ‘Heart of Gold’ Beech Buggy, met the guys from the Birmingham Buggy Club and began to develop my interest in VW’s! 

Once I had gained my driving licence, my interest in aviation faded and motorsport began to get a grip. Having convinced a number of 'car driving' friends that they might like a day out, I began to undertake regular trips to my local circuits of Donington Park and Silverstone.

Photographing drivers such as Klaus Ludwig in the amazing Zakspeed Capri, previously seen only in a well thumbed copy of 'CCC'! 

My first taste of rallying came when the 'Lombard' sponsored RAC Rally was based in Birmingham in the mid 1970's and the sight of Hannu Mikkola in the blue 'Eaton Yale' Escort, Russell Brookes in the similar 'Andrews - Heat For Hire' car and Sandro Munari in the amazing Lancia Stratos stirred my senses and all of a sudden I was hooked!

The following year I took my first trip into the forests of Wales for the Pace Petroleum Rally, a round of the National Rally Championship.

Little did I realise that I was watching the early days of a motorsport legend, as Henri Toivonen (seen here at the wheel of a factory Talbot Sunbeam) was one of the drivers I photographed that day. My choice of event was ironic really, as I have now been the organisers press officer (Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club) for well over 10 years. These days the event in known as 'The Bulldog'.

My first proper assault on the 'Lombard' came the following year, covering many hundreds of miles and sleeping rough in a freezing old car - happy days! 

Shortly afterwards I joined my local motor club (Owen Motoring Club) and then the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) and began to photograph club events ranging from Autotests to Sprints, via Production and Sporting Car Trials. 

Owen members Andrew Lees and Nick Pollitt soon twisted my arm and persuaded me into taking on the roll of club Press Officer and it wasn’t long before I was freelancing for Autosport, Motoring News and the Birmingham Post & Mail, covering club level events.

Thanks guys! 

Massive encouragement came from City of Birmingham Council officer Dave Lucas, a fellow Owen member and one of the main figures behind the ‘Halfords’ Birmingham Super Prix. During the event's short life, I was lucky enough to cover its many aspects for the authority, from initial launch, through circuit build and promotion, all the way to the chequered flag. Dave helped me with contacts - one of those was Andrew Marriott of CSS Promotions, who has remained a good friend ever since - and I now probably have one of the UK's largest collections of Super Prix images.

Dave and I also worked together on the Bike Art exhibition.

Another big thank you must go to Martyn Pass, now PR for Audi Motorsport, who offered both help and encouragement in my early days and into whose shoes I stepped when I became the motorsport correspondent for the Birmingham Post nearly 15 years ago. 

Since those early days I have been lucky enough to continue to be involved in and around motorsport and cars, photographing and writing about my favourite subject and meeting interesting people.  

Over the years my 'hobby' became more of a passion and gave me the chance to travel all over Europe and even to the USA, where I got to photograph the amazing Pikes Peak Hill Climb for Autosport, on no less than four occasions.  

I even proposed to Jill, my long-suffering partner atop its 14,110 ft summit.

I thank you all, without your help I would still be on the outside looking in, rather than on the inside looking out! 

I hope you enjoy looking around my site and would appreciate any feedback you may have.

John Clewer

For more 'mutterings' about my early days around cars (especially 'vee dubs' and kit cars !) check out 'Youth with a lens'.