FEATURES 30

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The Wilkerson Way

Daniel Wilkerson himself admits he was caught off-guard when his father , Funny Car veteran Tim Wilkerson , approached him about taking over the full-time driving duties of the SCAG Power Equipment Mustang Funny Car . By Kayla Zadel

Tribute : Nathan VanBeek

Nathan VanBeek , a passionate young race promoter and Top Sportsman driver , passed away February 9th in a tragic industrial accident . Here , friends like Tony Wilson , his co-founder in the Carolina Xtreme Pro Mod series , pay tribute to the 34-year-old . By Nate Van Wagnen

The PRO Superstar Shootout featured the stars of Top Fuel , Funny Car , and Pro Stock , all competing for their share of $ 1.3 million in prize money . In the special PRO Superstar Shootout section , we take a look at the newsmakers in the pro classes , as well as the sportsman hitters who competed in the invite-only FTI Top Sportsman , Super Stock , and Stock Eliminator categories . By Nate Van Wagnen

DEPARTMENTS

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COLUMN

78 On the Road 81

The PRO Superstar Shootout was a powerful reminder for Van Abernethy that drag racing can often trigger emotional responses for both participants and spectators . As much as he ’ s seen at the drags over the years , even he had new experiences at the inaugural event .

COLUMN

The Real Deal

Columnist Tommy D ’ Aprile takes readers into his mindset when he made his return to Pro Modified competition at the U . S . Street Nationals earlier this year , focusing on the blessings of family and friends rather than on-track results .

ON THE COVER Inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout winners Erica Enders ( Pro Stock ), Doug Kalitta ( Top Fuel ), and Austin Prock ( Funny Car ) as photographed by Luke Nieuwhof at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton , Florida .

PHOTOS : LUKE NIEUWHOF , JUSTIN STANLEY

6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 187