DI186
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
FEATURES 24
New Roles
In perhaps the biggest announcement at the PRI Show , Top Fuel championship contender Leah Pruett revealed her plans to step out of the driver ’ s seat to start a family with husband and team owner Tony Stewart . Her replacement ? Stewart himself . By Ashley Wilson
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Runner-Up No More
Six times a runner-up in the NHRA Top Fuel world championship fight , Doug Kalitta has been knocked down a time or two . But kept getting back up and fighting with humility , and his efforts paid off in 2023 with his first season title . By Rob Goodman
Tribute : Don Schumacher
Don Schumacher , a Funny Car pioneer and NHRA team owner , passed away on December 20 after a lung cancer battle . In this tribute , Schumacher ’ s family , friends , and drivers look back on his life and accomplishments . By Alli McCormick & Nate Van Wagnen
DEPARTMENTS
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DI COLUMNIST
80 On the Road 83
Van Abernethy recently caught up with PTC ’ s Kenny Ford and family friend Maddie Malone to look back on the unique circumstances that led to the two friends – yet fierce competitors – facing off in the 6.00 Index class at No Mercy 14 .
DI COLUMNIST
The Real Deal
Choosing a positive attitude in the face of setbacks is the focus of this issue ’ s column from Tommy D ’ Aprile . Highlighting the impact of perspective , the column emphasizes the power of personal choice in steering emotions during both victories and losses .
ON THE COVER Three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Ron Capps as photographed by Krista Zivcic at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg , Indiana .
PHOTOS : DAVID HILNER , MARC GEWERTZ , NHRA
6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 186