FEATURES 26

Tribute : Cynthia Phillips

Cynthia Phillips , known as the “ First Lady ” of the Southeast Gassers Association , lost a tough battle with cancer in April . As the longtime girlfriend of IHRA Pro Mod champion Quain Stott , she was involved in his racing program and was instrumental in the success of SEGA , even jumping in as a driver . By Kelly Wade

57

Buff Family Tradition

The Buff family has owned and operated North Carolina ’ s Shadyside Dragway since 1980 when Ronnie Buff bought the place . Since his passing in 2018 , his son , Lennie , and grandsons Zackary , Seth and Bryson , continue to honor his legacy by upgrading the legendary eighth-mile track . By Van Abernethy

SPECIAL SECTION 76

Women of Power 2021

Now in its second year as the Women of Power Issue , our ninth annual spotlight on drag racing ’ s most powerful and influential women covers multiple facets in the various corners of the sport . From class leaders who ’ ve inspired a generation of young girls in racing to a new wave of upstarts breaking their way into the history books , these stories focus on the women who are winning on the track , making an impact off the track and influencing change in the industry .

DEPARTMENTS

Q & A

32 Nicole Liberty 52

In a wide-ranging interview , third-generation transmission guru Nicole Liberty talks about her recent win in NMCA Nitrous Pro Street , her role in the family business and her outlook on the industry ’ s future . By Nate Van Wagnen

ON THE COVER NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Angie Smith as photographed by Rick Belden at zMAX Dragway in Concord , North Carolina .

COLUMN

On the Road

It ’ s been more than a quarter century since Van Abernethy ’ s last visit to U . S . 41 Dragstrip in Morocco , Indiana , so his recent trip there called for a trip down memory lane . In this month ’ s column , Abernethy looks back on his memorable experiences at U . S . 41 .

PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , IAN TOCHER , NMCA

8 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 168