Special Section
ALYSSA RABON
The PDRA ’ s Jr . Dragster classes have proven to be some of the most competitive divisions in the series , but South Carolina ’ s Alyssa Rabon has shown she ’ s clearly up to the task . The 2020 Classic Graphix Top Jr . Dragster world champion came out swinging this season , winning the season-opening East Coast Nationals presented by FuelTech . She added a late-season win at DragWars in her “ Pink Bullet ” dragster to end up No . 2 in points behind rookie sensation Rowan Parlett .
The third-generation driver has also experienced success outside of PDRA competition , winning track championships at Rockingham Dragway and Darlington Dragway , along with seven NHRA Wallys and an IHRA Ironman .
NYCK SHIRKEY
Last year , Nyck Shirkey was flying high when he secured the 2020 Coolshirt Systems Pro Jr . Dragster world championship . The aspiring pilot continued to excel this year , as he pulled double duty in Pro Jr . Dragster and Edelbrock Bracket Bash presented by COMP Cams . In fact , he took runnerup honors in his “ big car ” debut , while also picking up a runner-up finish in Pro Jr . Dragster competition . He finished sixth in points , while his younger brother , Zach , finished the year as the championship runner-up .
Shirkey is also doing big things outside of racing , as he was recently accepted to the Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University , where he ’ ll study aeronautical science .
EVAN SALEMI
Evan Salemi has grown up in a family that ’ s laser-focused on high-level Pro Modified racing . His father is Jon Salemi , the founder of Resolution Racing Services and the tuner of Pro Boost and Radial vs . the World cars driven by his wife and Evan ’ s stepmom , Melanie Salemi . Evan ’ s uncle , Jim Salemi , built the team ’ s cars at his chassis shop , G-Force Race Cars . Evan rounds out the group as one of the key crew members on Melanie ’ s “ Purple Reign ” ’ 68 Firebird in Penske / PRS Pro Boost presented by WS Construction competition .
At just 20 years old , Salemi has earned the respect of his peers for his work alongside his dad and the rest of the family . He received numerous 30 Under 30 nominations , with 2016 30 Under 30 honoree “ Nova Joe ” Albrecht saying , “ Evan can do literally anything on a blown alcohol Pro Mod .
The kid is wise beyond his years .”
In addition to working on the family hot rod , Salemi also often helps out with numerous Resolution Racing Services and G-Force Race Cars customers , traveling to races around the country and picking up more knowledge along the way . He ’ s also taken the tree himself , competing in Pro Jr . Dragster before he aged out .
PDRA660 . com 43