DI169
FEATURES 28
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No Prep Kings Returns
The COVID-19 shutdowns hit the Street Outlaws No Prep Kings tour hard , preventing them from holding events for over a year . But the series bounced back earlier this year , with fans pouring into tracks to see proven hitters and rising stars compete . By Paige Coughlin
Hot Wheels are Back
Diecast Hot Wheels versions of the “ Snake ” and “ Mongoose ” Funny Cars in the 1970s helped put drag racing on the mainstream map . Now , Hot Wheels releases featuring Alex Laughlin , NHRA and the Southeast Gassers are getting drag racing back into toy stores . By Josh Hachat
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
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Op-Ed : Drag Racing Needs Video Games
Whether it ’ s an independently released iPhone game or a full-scale , NHRAendorsed video game sitting on major retailer shelves , drag racing can seriously benefit from young gamers having the opportunity to stage up and race in their living room . By Nate Van Wagnen
Mountain Motor Matters
Mountain Motor Pro Stock and its various forms are poised for growth , yet seemingly restricted by a number of factors . In this DI Roundtable , drivers Johnny Pluchino , John Montecalvo , JR Carr , Chris Powers and Justin Kirk weigh in . By Nate Van Wagnen
DEPARTMENTS
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COLUMN
10 Letter from the Founder 56
After the COVID-19 shutdowns challenged both Drag Illustrated and drag racing in general , magazine founder Wes Buck is encouraged to see the industry rebounding in a big way . Still , there are concerns to address .
COLUMN
On the Road
Van Abernethy regularly seeks out America ’ s small , unique dragstrips on his travels , and Ohio ’ s Free Bird Dragway certainly fits the bill . Nestled in a state park , Free Bird is a one-of-a-kind racetrack that Abernethy had to see to believe .
ON THE COVER Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and NHRA Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett as photographed by Rick Belden at zMAX Dragway in Concord , North Carolina .
PHOTO : COLE ROKOSKY
8 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 169