FEATURES 44

By the Numbers

Alicia Anderson and her late partner , racer Rusty Johnson , started formulating DragInsights before he passed in 2020 . Since then , she ’ s worked with a small team to turn the stats app into a reality , helping racers make data-driven decisions . By Kelly Wade

57

Calming Presence

Whether they ’ re offering pre-run prayers or consoling family members of racers who ’ ve been involved in ontrack incidents , God Speed Ministry chaplains Renee Bingham and Tammie Smith provide a sense of peace for the PDRA community . By Nate Van Wagnen

SPECIAL SECTION 106

Women of Power 2024

For the 12th consecutive year , Drag Illustrated is proud to present our special Women of Power Issue , honoring the countless women who leave their mark on the sport . Whether they are behind the wheel , in front of the camera , or working tirelessly behind the scenes , these women are driving forces in the industry . By the DI Staff

• Julie Nataas

• Jasmine Salinas

• Lauren Freer

• Debbie O ’ Rourke

DEPARTMENTS 72

COLUMN

On the Road

A recent trip down memory lane with Darlington Dragway owner Jeff Miles reminded Van Abernethy of perhaps his favorite period in drag racing ’ s history , the early 1990s of IHRA . In this issue ’ s column , he shares why that time was so special for him .

124

CLOSE UP

Erica Enders

Even with six NHRA Pro Stock world championships , Elite Motorsports driver Erica Enders is still racking up firsts . She started the 2024 season with a big-money win at the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout , then won the NHRA Gatornationals for the first time .

ON THE COVER NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car rookie Maddi Gordon as photographed by Rick Belden at the Rick Belden Photography studio in Huntersville , North Carolina .

PHOTOS : RICK BELDEN , TARA BOWKER , NHRA

6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 189