Dirt
On The Radar
Five young racers destined for the 30 Under 30 list By Nate Van Wagnen , Josh Hachat and Kelly Wade
Every year since the inaugural DI 30 Under 30 list in 2015 , we identify numerous young racers who are just on the cusp of qualifying for the 30 Under 30 list . These are individuals who are very much on our radar and worthy of a spot on the list , but they just didn ’ t make the list this year . Whether they ’ re still very young even on the under-30 scale or they ’ re one big move away from busting onto the list , we still believe the five young people below deserve recognition for their efforts . This won ’ t be the last time they appear on the pages of this magazine .
MASON MCGAHA ▲
■ Ahead of the 2020 season of NHRA ’ s Camping World Drag Racing Series , Mason McGaha was looking towards what should have been the best year of his life . He was preparing to make his debut just a few months after his 18th birthday , but McGaha ’ s plans were abruptly put on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis .
In July , McGaha finally sidled into position as the youngest competitor in Pro Stock as NHRA made its cautious return to action at the first of four events at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in an oddball season .
“ I was just trying to make runs and do what I could . I wasn ’ t expecting too much ,” he says . “ I was still pretty fresh at what I was doing , and it was a lot harder than a Jr . Dragster or the bracket car – the only cars I ’ d ever driven before then . It was , ‘ do what you can , and we ’ ll see how it goes .”
Appearing alongside father and fellow competitor Chris McGaha under the Harlow Sammons Racing banner , the younger McGaha began to find his groove piloting a bold blue Chevrolet Camaro and making the field in his third attempt . At Indy ’ s historic U . S . Nationals , McGaha nearly achieved immortal status as he raced all the way to the semifinals in his first raceday start .
After eight events in his rookie season , McGaha came into 2021 with seat time and an optimistic disposition . It was plain to see he was not to be taken lightly as he powered to two consecutive trips to the third round , became a regular tophalf qualifier , established himself as one of the best leavers in the class , and reached his first final round .
It was Topeka , though , where McGaha earned his chops next to veteran racer Bruno Massel in a shocking round-one burndown . Their Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stockers remained idle long after both drivers pre-staged , creating a roar in the stands and across the internet as the starter implored them to move ahead and begin their match .
“ It was quite the experience ,” says McGaha . “ As a little kid , I would watch drag racing highlights and staging duels on YouTube . You don ’ t want to go up there and intentionally make that happen , but it looked like it would be kind of cool .”
The starting line showdown with Massel lasted an astounding three-plus minutes , and ultimately , both opponents were disqualified for disobeying the starter ’ s order to stage .
“ About 20 seconds into it , I was like , this is definitely happening . It ’ s crazy it went on for so long ,” says McGaha . “ Afterwards , I was just trying to process it all . I was like , ‘ wow , I really got thrown out for that .’ But it was pretty cool .
PHOTOGRAPH BY RICK BELDEN
26 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 172