What began as a hobby as Kenny Shaw combined his love of racing and photography has become a professional opportunity.

Shaw has been named Lucas Oil Speedway's new Official Track Photographer, General Manager Dan Robinson announced on Thursday.

"We are extremely excited to have Kenny join our team as the Official Track Photographer at Lucas Oil Speedway. He is a very talented guy with a lot of neat ideas and we look forward to working with him in 2017," Robinson said in welcoming Shaw.

Shaw, a native of Fort Scott, Kan., lives in Webb City. He's been involved in racing most of his life, even driving a race car for a year during high school. His father, Kenny Shaw Sr., has been racing for nearly three decades and still races B-Mods in the area.

"I've worked at numerous tracks doing tech," Shaw said. "As a fan and past racer and being a part of racing teams in the past, Lucas Oil Speedway is at the top of its game as far as race tracks go.

"From a photography aspect, it doesn't get any better than Lucas Oil Speedway. The lighting is amazing. The track is amazing. The racers have the best-looking cars and put on the best shows. It doesn't get any better in dirt-track racing and I feel fortunate to have this opportunity."

Shaw said he got into photography a couple of years ago and quickly found a way to incorporate his love for racing into his new hobby.

"I learned quickly that it looks easier than it actually is," Shaw said of shooting high-speed racing photos. "There was a huge learning curve. Thankfully, with the help of a lot of well-known photographers in the area, they helped me along the way and as far as what to look for and how to set the camera to get good photos."

Shaw mentioned Chris Bork, the long-time Lucas Oil Speedway photographer who's stepping away from full-time duty, as being especially helpful.

"When Lucas had big shows last year, like the Diamond (Nationals) and Show-Me 100, multiple photographers would show and I got to meet Chris," Shaw said. "He was an awesome guy to talk to."

Shaw's work can be found at K.C. Shaw Photos on Facebook facebook.com/K.C.ShawPhotos and on Instagram @K.C.Shaw. He also plans to have his personal web page updated and ready by the time the season begins for drivers and fans to browse each week with updated action shots.

"I also want to express my sincere thanks to Chris Bork and CB Race Photos as Chris has been an outstanding asset to the speedway for many years and a great friend," Robinson said. "I wish him nothing but the best of luck as he slows down a bit this year and is able to spend more time with his family."

The 2017 Lucas Oil Speedway season begins with the Weekly Championship Series opener on April 8.

For complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket info and schedule information for the season, visit lucasoilspeedway.com. Three-day passes for the 25th annual Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com are now on sale.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it's entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway.