PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRADY FLOYD , DRAG COVERAGE |
With the incredible number of racetracks , classes , regional organizations , and niches within drag racing , there ’ s a whole lot of opportunities for event promoters from top to bottom . Some promoters have found a way to make a legit living putting on drag racing events , but for many of the promoters operating today , promoting a once or twice a year race is their way of contributing to the sport while also maintaining a “ real job ” outside of racing . One of drag racing ’ s rising stars in grassroots promoting is TJ Pruitt , the founder of DragCoverage . com . He started the website in college after noticing a need to update local racers with news and event info in the South . The platform took off , and after encouragement from a mentor , Pruitt decided to leverage Drag Coverage to start promoting events . His first event in 2016 was a success , and in 2018 , he promoted and hosted the biggest drag racing event in Atmore Dragway ’ s history . Today , he promotes the Drag Coverage Night of Fire , August 24 , at Alabama International Dragway .
“ The local racing community is what inspires me to put on events ,” Pruitt says . “ My vision is for local , grassroots racers to get the same recognition as professionals and race in front of huge crowds . Yes , the money and racing can be great , but it ’ s even more exciting to race in front of a grandstand full of spectators .
“ I still do not consider myself a promoter ,” Pruitt adds . “ I ’ m an electrical engineer , and promoting and hosting events is one of the most challenging tasks I manage every year . However , it ’ s rewarding and worth it to see the smiles on the faces of racers and spectators . That ’ s what motivates and inspires me .”
Pruitt , who is also a racer himself , is an avid fan of all kinds of drag racing and has spent years paying attention to promoters operating in drag racing ’ s various corners .
“ You can ’ t mention promoting without mentioning George Howard . He is the GOAT of promoting all types of drag racing ,” Pruitt says . “ I also look up to Edmund ‘ Mr . Five Speed ’ Hall , Mike ‘ The Hitman ’ Hill , Donald Long , Jared Pennington , Gaylon Rolison , and Jennifer Folk . Other names that come to mind are Carolina N / T , Pat Callen , and most recently , Jacob Harper . I admire these promoters because they have all built a loyal following that supports them through both good and tough times . They also bring great action .”
Pruitt also notices up-and-coming promoters like Tyler Bohannon and Brian Whitworth of TB Promotions , which puts on multiple big-money bracket races and recently added the Verge Quick Outlaw Series to their lineup .
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“ They have been successful on the big stage and are among the few promoters who can handle both big-bucks bracket racing and heads-up racing ,” says Pruitt , who also mentioned track owner / operators who promote their own races , like Victor Alvarez at Bradenton Motorsports Park . “ Oh , and while I wouldn ’ t consider her new , Mocha Allen at Finishline Dragstrip in Mississippi has absolutely been killing it !”
Beyond Pruitt and the promoters he mentioned , the list of promoters making their mark on drag racing is extensive . Just a few more examples include Michael Hollis and Barrett Green of Doomsday Promotions , Nate Prater with Street Car Braggin Rights , Justin Young of the Mod Nationals , and Tom Gunner and Michael Poland with Small Tire Gangstas . – NATE VAN WAGNEN DI
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TJ Pruitt |
Tom Gunner |