IPSWICH'S Michael Hoyer has been presented with a top award for motorsport photography.Hoyer, 26, received the Renault/MSA Young Photographer of the Year Trophy last Friday at London's Royal Automobile Club in recognition of three particular shots that he submitted to a judging panel.

IPSWICH'S Michael Hoyer has been presented with a top award for motorsport photography.

Hoyer, 26, received the Renault/MSA Young Photographer of the Year Trophy last Friday at London's Royal Automobile Club in recognition of three particular shots that he submitted to a judging panel.

Entrants had to be 25 years-old or younger at the start of the year and their submitted work had to have been published in the UK press.

An equivalent award was also handed out to a motorsport journalist, with both winners claiming £1,000.

Hoyer said: “I'm at a motorsport event most weekends and often during the week too. I've had my work published in all the national racing publications, including Autosport and Motorsport News.

“The photography started as a hobby in 2003 and in 2005 I started doing it for the media. The connection with motorsport just came on the off chance really when I covered an event and just really enjoyed it.

“It was the first time I had entered the competition and although I was confident, it was still a bit of a surprise to hear my name being called out.”

Hoyer has travelled all over the UK and Europe with his photography. This year he has been to France twice and Belgium three times.

Asked if he has had any near misses snapping speeding vehicles, he said: “I've had a few near misses but nothing bad. You do often see photographers diving out the way so I've been lucky.