DI119
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
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Just Getting Started
Canadian Pro Mod runner Eric Latino made a big splash with his upset firstround win over Steve “ Stevie Fast ” Jackson and national-record 5.72 at the NHRA Gatornationals . According to Latino , that ’ s only a preview of what he has in store for 2017 . By Nate Van Wagnen
OSCR IV
Where can one find Radial vs . the World , X275 , sportsman index racing , and even Pro Street Motorcycles at the same event ? Look no further than promoter Tyler Crossnoe ’ s Outlaw Street Car Reunion in Memphis . By Nate Van Wagnen
Force of Habit
As the most accomplished driver in NHRA Mello Yello Series history , 16- time Funny Car champion John Force has led his team of drivers to some incredible milestones , including the 2,500-round-win mark after Force ’ s win at the NHRA Gatornationals . By Lee Montgomery
Lights Out 8
Captured through the lens of photographer Chris Sears and the words of several writers , our coverage of the eighth annual spectacle of smalltire racing that is Lights Out 8 puts a spotlight on numerous highlights from the infamous gathering of outlaw racing ’ s best . By Drag Illustrated Staff
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COLUMN
8 Letter from the Editor 36
As new records are set seemingly every weekend , Editor-in-Chief Wes Buck wonders if too much emphasis is being placed on elapsed time , rather than being the first to the finish line .
DIRT
Tribute : Monte Smith
We pay our respects to prolific nitrous tuner Monte Smith , who recently died of a heart attack after over 35 years of service to dozens of tuning clients . By Ian Tocher
ON THE COVER Lights Out 8 ’ s Radial vs . the World champion “ Nova Joe ” Albrecht as photographed by Jeremy Patterson at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta , Georgia .
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On the Road
Boiled turkey necks , Mardi Gras beads and No-Prep racing – those are just a few of the things Van Abernethy experienced while taking in Hub City Dragway ’ s legendary Fat Tuesday event .
PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , JAMES SISK , CHRIS SEARS
6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 119