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Hanging Up the Mic
Longtime announcer Alvin Dilldine retired from full-time announcing in June , just four days shy of his 80th birthday . He ’ s called the action at numerous tracks throughout the Southeast , witnessing the early careers of legendary drivers like Rickie Smith and Ronnie Sox . By Van Abernethy
Paying Tribute
From drivers to track owners , the sport has lost some important and beloved figures over the last two months . In this special section , we remember those individuals with help from the people who knew them best . By DI Staff
Just What the Doctor Ordered
With fast bracket racing , solid payouts , and an ultra-competitive championship battle , PDRA ’ s Elite Top Sportsman has exactly what Chris “ Nitrous ” Nyerges and team owner Dr . Gary Schween are looking for in a class . By Nate Van Wagnen
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
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DI Roundtable : State of Comp
Not too long ago , NHRA Comp Eliminator was struggling to fill fields at some events . The class has staged a comeback , though , and in this roundtable , five drivers explain the reason for its resurgence as well as what it will take to continue growing . By Kelly Wade
DEPARTMENTS
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DI COLUMNIST
On the Road
Despite its popularity all over the planet , drag racing can be a small world , as columnist Van Abernethy has learned over the years . The latest example of that came when he reconnected with longtime New York racer John Bartunek , who recently moved to Abernethy ’ s neck of the woods in North Carolina .
DIALED IN
Francis Reynolds Jr .
Francis Reynolds Jr . has been racing for 53 years , and 51 of those came behind the wheel of his trusty ’ 70 Ford Maverick . He shares the story behind his time-tested hot rod and the lifelong passion for racing that has kept him and the Maverick going back to the track . By Van Abernethy
ON THE COVER PDRA Top Sportsman and Top Dragster standout Stacy Hall as photographed by Rick Belden at Fulton Competition Engines in Spartanburg , South Carolina .
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PHOTOS : NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER , TARA BOWKER , VAN ABERNETHY
8 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 177