The winning shot (left; Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America), and the winning photographer, Rick Dole (right).

At any American Le Mans Series race, words tell only half the story. If it wasn’t for images, there would be no visual way of capturing the emotion and passion of sports car racing.

One of those experts behind the lens is Rick Dole, chief photographer for Michelin’s trackside publication The Alley and michelinracingusa.com. While nearly all of Dole’s photos are potential award-winners, one has just been chosen as the winner of an international competition.

This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans saw BMW Motorsport premiere its latest “Art Car,” designed by artist Jeff Koons, the No. 79 BMW M3 with drivers Dirk Werner, Dirk Mueller and Andy Priaulx. BMW then announced a photo contest for accredited photographers who captured shots of the car at Circuit de la Sarthe.

Dole’s shot from above the second chicane on the Mulsanne Straight beat out all the other entrants in the contest, judged by a panel that included BMW Motorsport Director Mario Thiessen and the three drivers of the Art Car. Fans had a chance to view all the entrants on BMW and BMW Motorsport Facebook pages. For the shot, Dole wins a check for 1,000 Euros.

“The BMW Art Car Photo Contest was very well received among photographers in Le Mans,” Theissen said in BMW’s official release. “They too are artists, who understand how to capture the special atmosphere at a 24-hour race and the character of the racing car in pictures. Congratulations to Rick Dole, who achieved this feat in style with our 17th BMW Art Car. His photo perfectly captures the unique dynamic of Jeff Koons’ design. However, it was not easy for the jury to decide on a winner. I want to say thank you to all of those who took part for submitting a large number of impressive photographs.”

Rick Dole is in his 24th year as a professional photographer, and 2010 was his 14th visit to the endurance classic at Le Mans.

“Le Mans is my favourite circuit in the world to shoot,” Dole said in the release. “Each year I search for new and unique locations to photograph the event. This year, for the first time, I leased and photographed from a helicopter and was able to capture this wonderful image of the BMW Art Car. It is a spectacular car to photograph from any angle. I am honoured and humbled to be recognised by BMW.”

michelinracingusa.com congratulates Rick on the well-deserved award. All of Rick’s work can be seen year-round on michelinracingusa.com in the “Galleries” section and around the paddock in The Alley.