IT ’ S TRICKY
“ Tricky ” Rickie Smith , one of the greatest doorslammer racers of all time , collects his thoughts before making a pass in his Parkway Ford Mustang in PDRA Pro Nitrous , where he finished fourth in the points standings . The past Pro Nitrous world champ also hit the gas in Scott Palmer ’ s Top Fuel dragster over the summer .
PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON REISS
ERUPTION
As the Christmas tree pops on the green light , J . R . Todd unleashes the violence of a nitro Funny Car upon the buzzing Southern California night during the In- N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona .
PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL HUTCHISON
153 | DRAG ILLUSTRATED 2023 PHOTO ANNUAL