DI174
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
FEATURES 26
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Tribute : Tim Slavens
DI Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck pays tribute to Tim Slavens , the beloved Missouri-based small-tire racer , who passed away January 7 after a lengthy and hard-fought COVID battle . Slavens , who just debuted a new Pro Mod for the 2022 season in December , was 52 .
New for ‘ 22
After a hectic offseason , we break down some of the biggest moves and most surprising changes in the NHRA Camping World Series and beyond as the sport moves into what will likely be one of the most exciting seasons in recent history . By Nate Van Wagnen
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SPECIAL SECTION
Inaugural DI Awards
For our first-ever DI Awards , the DI editorial team looked back on the people , places , and moments that made the 2021 season so thrilling and narrowed down a long list of nominees to 15 winners .
JEFF SERRA 88 STEVE PETTY 98 BRIAN LOHNES 102 TEXAS MOTORPLEX 104
DEPARTMENTS
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COLUMN
60 On the Road 65
A trip to Florida ’ s historic Showtime Dragstrip sent DI ’ s Van Abernethy down a drag racing history rabbit hole that led him to Don Garlits ’ Museum of Drag Racing , where Garlits himself shared his memories of racing at the track formerly known as Sunshine Drag Strip .
ON THE COVER Two-time Street Outlaws : No Prep Kings champion Ryan Martin as photographed by Courtney Paulshock at Tulsa Raceway Park in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
DIALED IN
New Year ’ s Nationals
The New Year ’ s Nationals has become a holiday tradition for bracket racers around the country . Over 700 entries rolled through the gates for the latest running of the event held at its new home , Bradenton Motorsports Park . By Van Abernethy
PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , CHRIS SIMMONS , TARA BOWKER
8 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 174