Ellenton , Florida-based bracket racer Wesley Lee roasts the rear tires in Steve Lewis ’ Monte Carlo SS as he pays tribute to Dan ‘ Chaps ’ Stone , a longtime Bradenton Motorsports Park employee who was killed in a top-end freak accident during Friday night qualifying at the U . S . Street Nationals . Stone was a beloved fixture at the Florida Gulf Coast dragstrip , appreciated by local racers and out-of-towners alike . Racers honored Stone throughout the remainder of the event , from Lee ripping a massive burnout to No-Time Shootout winner Mike Stavrinos donating his $ 5,000 winnings to Stone ’ s family .

Photograph by Chris Sears Bradenton Motorsports Park | Bradenton , Florida | Saturday , January 30 , 2021

18 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 165