DI178
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
FEATURES 24
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Investing in the Future
A diehard fan of Chevrolet ’ s COPO program , Daren Poole-Adams is invested in the future of Stock and Super Stock racing , as well as motorsports in general . By Kelly Wade
DiMino ’ s Determination
Now owned by the DiMino family , Pennsylvania ’ s Numidia Dragway has become popular with racers for a variety of reasons . From offering a taste of New York at the concession stands to following through on posted payouts , the DiMinos make sure to do right by the racers . By Van Abernethy
Don Schumacher : The DI Interview
One of drag racing ’ s most influential team owners weighs in on his past , present , and future in the sport after selling a majority stake in his last remaining nitro team , the one led by his son , eight-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher . By Wes Buck
DI Roundtable : Racer / Track Owners
A handful of dragstrips have closed and been sold off in recent months , but over the last several years , racers have stepped in before their local tracks suffered similar fates . In this DI Roundtable , Tommy Franklin , John Bartunek , and Kenny Koretsky share the trials and tribulations of owning a racetrack as a racer . By Nate Van Wagnen
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DI COLUMNIST
On the Road
When Van Abernethy ’ s travels took him to Wabash Valley Dragway , his 160th different racetrack , he discovered the Indiana track ’ s rich history , met one of its most accomplished drivers , and learned about the racers who are helping to keep the gates open .
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ON THE COVER Four-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence as photographed by Rick Belden at zMAX Dragway in Concord , North Carolina .
DIALED IN
Mid Michigan Motorplex
Mary Ledford was just 20 years old when she and her late husband , Jim , got into the drag racing business . Fifty-two years later , she ’ s just as passionate about the sport , as she still owns and operates Mid Michigan Motorplex , a favorite for racers from Michigan and beyond . By Van Abernethy
PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , VAN ABERNETHY
6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 178