“ We had good crowds , made good laps , and it was a major accomplishment making that eight-car field . There were big names that didn ’ t make it in , so just to make the show was a feat in and of itself .” - ANTRON BROWN

PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE : Jackie Popovec , lead singer of The Vindys , performs the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the PRO Superstar Shootout . The Vindys also performed on the SCAG Stage after racing concluded .

THE VOICES OF THE PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT : Veteran drag racing announcers Al Tucci and Steve Logan keep the fans entertained , informed , and engaged from their spot in the Bradenton Motorsports Park tower . One room over , longtime broadcaster Ralph Sheheen and Funny Car champion Jack Beckman called the action for the FloRacing livestream .

THE FAMILY BUSINESS : Third-generation racer Mason McGaha performs some routine maintenance on his Harlow Sammons Racing / Southwest Performance & Machine Pro Stock Camaro with a helping hand from his grandfather , Lester McGaha .

THE BIG STAGE : Drag Illustrated ’ s Kayla Zadel leads a Q & A session with multitime NHRA Top Fuel world champions Steve Torrence and Antron Brown on the SCAG Power Equipment main stage at the PRO Superstar Shootout .

WORKING THE ROPES : Kalitta Motorsports driver J . R . Todd takes time out of his schedule as the driver of the DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car to chat with fans at the ropes between qualifying sessions at the PRO Superstar Shootout .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUKE NIEUWHOF AND ANDREW MENESES

70 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 187