Let me just start with this… Spokane wasn’t just a race. It was one of those weekends that reminded me why I chase this dream, even when I doubt the hell out of myself.

Back at Rocky Mountain Nationals, Paige and I crossed paths with this beauty of a human named Nate Sayler, who was driving the Gucci Nova. By the end of that weekend, strangers turned into friends, and Nate looked at us and said,

“YOU GIRLS SHOULD COME TO SPOKANE.”

For me, that invite wasn’t just cool, it felt like a win. Not because it was another event to shoot, but because it was an opportunity to capture the whole story.

And that’s what I live for. Because racing isn’t just cars down a strip (though let’s be real, the cars are sick 🔥). It’s the crews busting their asses in the pits. It’s the long nights, the good people, the little jokes that break up the stress. It’s the human side that gets overlooked, which is the part I’ll never stop chasing.

So when Nate threw out that invite, Paige and I didn’t even hesitate. Hell yeah, road trip.

Here’s the thing, though: travelling solo for me usually means hours in a car, overthinking myself into a spiral. By the time I arrive, I’m already exhausted before I even unpack my camera. But this time was different. And it was different because of Paige.


Paige is my secondhand man, my print-slinger, my chaos partner, and honestly, one of those once in a life time kind of people that I'm lucky to have in my corner. She reps Fuelled Up harder than I could ever ask for, and having her riding shotgun changed the whole trip. Thursday morning, we rented a Kia K4 (which immediately became the butt of every single joke all weekend 😂) and hit the road. Eleven hours later... after deep talks, river stops, and laughing until our faces hurt, we rolled into Spokane.

One of the first texts from Nate once we got there? “We’re headed to the strip club. You girls wanna come?” Most people would’ve tapped out after that long of a drive. But Paige and I? We’re not scared of strippers. So off we went. Honestly? Best icebreaker ever. Nothing says “Welcome to Spokane” like leaving it to hit a strip club in Idaho. 😂


Friday morning, the nerves tried to sneak back in. Walking into an environment full of racers and crew at this level is intimidating. I don’t want to be that photographer. I want people to look at me and think: she’s good, she’s easy to work with, she gets it. Because here, photos aren’t just nice… they matter. They sell merch. They keep sponsors happy. They catch people’s eyes on YouTube. And yeah, long story short, I didn’t want to fail.

But then Nate met us at the gate, handed us creds, and instantly made us feel at home. That’s when it all shifted.


The crew? Absolute GEMS.

  • Nate himself? One of the most down-to-earth dudes I’ve met in racing. Humble, hilarious, amazing with fans, and just a total character with a sense of humour. You could tell he was having fun, and it made everyone else feel at ease.
  • Tyson — cool as sh*t, funny, knowledgeable, poor guy was rocking an air cast on his foot but still wrenching.
  • Travis — immediately clicked with Paige and was super easy to talk to.
  • Craig — classic camera-shy, always dodging me, but by the end of the weekend, he was loosening up.
  • John — the truck driver, worked nonstop but always had those dry one-liners that had everyone laughing.
  • Giuseppe — this guy was awesome. Not only did he have us crying from laughing so hard with his jokes, but he was also extremely knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. He even cradled a nitrous bottle like it was a newborn — iconic. 😂


Between the laughs and the introductions, my attention finally drifted into the center of the pit, and there it was, looking mean as hell, the Chevy II Nova: Charcoal gray with orange accents, a blacked-out grill, and a Proline under the hood. One of the nicest cars I’ve ever had the chance to shoot.


By the time I finally picked up my camera, it didn’t feel like “work.” The candids just unfolded, guys crawling under the car, genuine smiles, serious game faces, those little in-between moments of just being human. That’s the stuff you can’t stage. That’s the real story.


By Saturday, Nate and the Nova rolled into the main event but got knocked out second round by Murder Nova, who went on to win the whole thing. If you’re gonna lose, that’s probably the best way to do it. Could be wrong — I’m not a racer — just my thoughts.


But honestly, the results weren’t the thing I carried home. What stuck was the people. The reminder that this sport is about more than what happens on the line. It’s about the family you build, the sacrifices, the long days, and chasing something you love.


And maybe that’s what I needed too. Because I put way too much pressure on myself. I spiral. I forget I’m human. I forget that I’m still learning, still growing, and yeah — I’m gonna f*** up sometimes. But the best thing I can do is be myself and be present. Spokane reminded me I belong here. Not because I’m perfect or polished, but because I care. Because I show up. And most days, that’s enough.


So here are nine of my favorite shots from the weekend 👇 Spokane wasn’t just another race. It was a reset. It was growth. It was one of those weekends I’ll never forget.

Or if you want check out the full team gallery here:

https://fuelledupphotography.pixieset.com/natesaylor/


And Nate. I don’t even know how to thank you enough. For the invite. For the creds. For introducing us to your people and letting us into your space. For trusting me with a camera around you. You didn’t just give me a chance to shoot one of the baddest Novas out there — you gave me the chance to feel like I belong at this level. That’s not something I take lightly. So thank you, truly. For the laughs, for the memories, and for putting up with Paige and me all weekend 🤘.


Spokane will forever be a core memory because of you.

—Becks