“ Our same team carried over from when we last competed in February of 2020 . I think that speaks for itself . It proves how dedicated this team is ; they stood by JFR through our difficult decision to step out last season .” - BRITTANY FORCE

SMILEY SALINAS : NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Jianna Salinas couldn ’ t be happier to be back on her Scrappers Racing entry to start the PSM season at the NHRA Gatornationals . Her father , Mike , races in Top Fuel and new for 2021 , Pro Mod , while sister Jasmine competes in Top Alcohol Dragster .

CONCRETE COUPLE : Tony Wilson , a concrete contractor during the week and a Pro Nitrous racer on the weekends , poses for a photo with his wife , Regina , next to the Wilson family ’ s “ Midnight Special ” ‘ 69 Camaro . Wilson is also running a few NHRA Pro Mod races with the Caruso Family Racing team .

FRANNY & MANNY : Crew member Franny McCarthy guides Manny Buginga into the beams in the ProCharger-boosted Buginga Racing ‘ 03 Mustang . Buginga grabbed the No . 1 spot in Pro 275 at Lights Out 12 .

IN THE CLUTCH : Kaylynn Simmons , the clutch specialist on Clay Millican ’ s Stringer Performance Top Fuel dragster , performs her betweenround duties during the NHRA Gatornationals . Simmons joined the Parts Plus team over the winter after a couple years with Terry McMillen Racing , which is currently on the sidelines .

TRICKY RIKKI : Ohio ’ s Rikki Molnar is clearly happy after making a pass in her Top Dragster at the PDRA Doorslammer Derby in Bowling Green , Kentucky . Her husband , Tim , won the PDRA season opener a month earlier in Top Sportsman , and she ’ s sure to follow him into the winner ’ s circle in the dragster class soon .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TARA BOWKER , STEVE BRENWALD AND CHRIS SEARS

46 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 168