“Back in the day, it was just the two of us doing all the IHRA coverage of the national events,” Epps recalled. “He was great doing all the behind the scenes, the human interest stories. So many people enjoyed the great work he did.”

Nicknamed “Geezer,” the veteran photographer's influence was felt by those throughout the industry. Richards stayed active until the end, fighting the heat to shoot the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway earlier this month.

Competition Plus posted on its Facebook account that a celebration of life will be planned and the details will be released at a later time by his family.