A look back on 2022 ’ s best racers , mechanical minds , moments , and more

BY NATE VAN WAGNEN , KAYLA ZADEL , KELLY WADE , CRAIG COOK , AND RYAN MURRAY

Drag racing is an often-thankless endeavor . Hard work , dedication , intelligence , and the excessive use of time , effort , and money aren ’ t always rewarded with win lights , frame-worthy time slips , trophies , or checks . It ’ s one of the aspects of the sport that draws in the most competitive racers : one team wins , one team loses . No second chances . ¶ The inaugural DI Awards were created in 2021 to recognize the efforts of the year ’ s most outstanding drivers , tuners , teams , promoters , tracks , and more . Yes , many of those

efforts were rewarded with trophies , celebrations , and adoration from the drag racing public . But we wanted to take that validation one step further with a look back at these accomplishments and their impact on the sport . ¶ This year , the DI team once again labored over the award categories and nominees . This year ’ s winners are champions , multi-talented racers , record-setters , innovators , and individuals who are now reaping the rewards of years of consistent effort . These are the people , places , and moments that made the 2022 season one to remember .

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