Luke Bogacki Can’ t Stop Winning

BRUNO MASSEL JR. IS EVERYWHERE

KEVIN & IVEY BRANNON JOHN LABBOUS JR. SHAWN LANGDON JEFF BROOKS

Bogacki Belongs

No question that Luke Bogacki belongs on the cover of Drag Illustrated. There’ s no question we all enjoy seeing the biggest names pro-level drag racing has to offer on the cover, but Luke is“ one of us”- and it’ s just about the ultimate shot in the arm for all the sportsman racing masses to know that a guy who isn’ t terribly far removed from going rounds behind the wheel of a primer-black Chevy Vega can be on the cover of DI. Thanks for that.

Jeff Mitchell, via the Internet

[ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WES BUCK REPLIES: Not once, but twice! And, hey, we completely agree! Luke is not only an incredible ambassador for the sport of drag racing, but he’ s one hell of a drag racer. We’ re proud to have him on the cover.]

You nailed it! Luke Bogacki on the cover of the Sportsman Special Issue is perfect!

Eric Curtis, via the Internet

Thoughts, Comments, Concerns?

SEVENTH-ANNUAL SPORTSMAN SPECIAL ISSUE

Do you guys think that Larry Morgan can be an effective ADRL president? Inquiring minds need( want) to know!

Anthony Jablonski, via the Internet

[ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WES BUCK REPLIES: Honestly, I think Larry Morgan can be effective in a lot of ways- especially as it pertains to racer relations, just simply being a no-bullshit kind of guy and being a lovable / likable / polarizing face of the organization. I think racers react well to that kind of attitude, and I don’ t think there is or would be any doubt that Larry will put his racers above all else. I do have some concerns, though, but they don’ t really relate to Morgan, more so my belief that the ADRL needs a clear-and-defined mission. The ADRL, originally, was created entirely to put Pro Mod cars- separated into two categories, Pro Nitrous and Pro Extreme- front and center, and Kenny Nowling and company catered to those teams in a way that had never before been seen. It was fresh, new and, at least in my opinion, one of the best things ever to happen to drag racing. Pro Mod racing needed that type of representation. Nowling delivered in spades, and the racers responded. I’ ll never forget rolling up on Rockingham Dragway in fall of 2006 for ADRL Dragstock III and seeing a sign out front that read“ Over 100 Pro Mods”. What resonates the most with me from those early years was a clear mission and / or goal, which, I can’ t say for certain, but appeared to be providing a safe, competitive environment and topbilling status for Pro Mod racers. The racers responded well, as did the fans, and the rest is history. We can certainly have a discussion about ADRL’ s free ticket model, but the fact remains that they packed the house for a lot of years and put Pro Mod racing in front of thousands and thousands of fans, new and old. I think the centerpiece of that success was Nowling’ s personal passion for Pro Mod racing, and I think that is what they newest version of the ADRL will need- for something, anything- if it’ s going to succeed, and that’ s with or without Larry Morgan. I believe we can all agree that Larry Morgan’ s personal passion is Pro Stock racing, and maybe there’ s something that can

happen with that, but I believe a defined goal and / or mission is a critical cog in the success of any business or endeavor. Right now, ADRL has a few different versions of Pro Mod, Top Fuel Harley, Top Alcohol Funny Car and a few sportsman classes, so they clearly aren’ t totally lacking direction, but I think a centerpiece or focal point would be powerful and help build the brand in what is a pretty crowded marketplace. Getting super clear about what they’ re trying to achieve, who their ideal customer is- both fan and racer, but specifically racer- will be very important as they move forward. I have some ideas on that, but that’ s a conversation for another time. I wish Larry Morgan and the gang at ADRL nothing but the best as they move forward, which they are clearly very dedicated to doing. I have to say their resolve and willingness to forge ahead is impressive!]

Street and Race?

Where do hardcore drag racing aficionados such as the team at Drag Illustrated stand on this trend of“ roll racing”? Is this really becoming a thing? Is it already a thing? I have to admit, I can hardly stand the idea of roll racing, and have routinely made fun of this brand of straight-line racing since I first started seeing videos of it pop up on the internet- mainly illegal street races on interstates at 60-plus. Now it seems like there are multiple events that at least offer“ roll racing” at some point during their show, and there are a few dedicated“ roll racing” events at airports. Do you expect to see this continue?

Morton Craig, via the Internet

[ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WES BUCK REPLIES: Honestly, Morton, I do think roll racing is officially“ a thing”. These events have literally blown up across the country- almost all of them sell out of tech cards, almost all of which going to late model performance cars. While I completely understand and appreciate the notion that“ roll racing” defies everything

drag racing stands for and is far less“ hardcore” than what we’ re all accustom to, I do believe it’ s a great thing for car culture and racing in general. First and foremost, I do believe that it’ s important drag racing has some sort of true entry level offering like this where a guy( or gal) can show up to an event and drive straight off the street and into competition- even if it’ s only against his or herself. Many of these events are speed contests primarily and don’ t have a side-by-side competition aspect, and I think that’ s another great thing, honestly, as it gives people the opportunity to get their feet wet in a racing environment, focus on improving their driving ability, experience the thrill of going fast in a safe and controlled environment, and do so without the added complexity of a competitor in the opposing lane. I can name a few guys right now that have already graduated from“ roll racing” their late model performance cars to a rear-engine dragster or purpose-built drag car- and that feels like victory to me. Also, I’ ve had a couple guys that I have a lot of resect for that have been around drag racing for decades tell me that“ roll racing” events of today remind them very much of drag racing in the‘ 60s and‘ 70s- somewhat lawless and carefree, with everyone more focused on making their best pass ever than anything else. I also like the fact that these are all events that have competitions competing merely for a trophy and bragging rights, and that’ s a big positive, too. If there’ s an airstrip event near you, Morton, or even a“ roll race” at a drag strip- go check it out. You’ ll be surprised.]

Contact Us

LETTERS to Drag Illustrated, 902 Kings Rd., Kirksville, MO, 63501. Letters become the property of Drag Illustrated and may be edited for publication.

E-MAIL letters @ dragillustrated. com

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Go to dragillustrated. com

• Subscribe • Renew • Cancel

• Missing Issues

• Give a Gift • Pay Bill • Change of Address