PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICK BELDEN , TARA BOWKER , CHRIS SEARS , LUKE NIEUWHOF , JOE MCHUGH , CHRIS SIMMONS , DAVID HILNER , AUTO IMAGERY , SCOTT WITTY , RICHIE COURY , SHAWN KELLY , JOHN FORE III , RANDY CURTIS , MILISSA MARTINI , AND BLACKETT PHOTOGRAPHY
By NATE VAN WAGNEN , KAYLA ZADEL , CRAIG COOK , KELLY WADE , MADELYN MARCONI , ALLIE HARTMAN , and JESSICA HICKS SPEARS
EN YEARS ago , Drag IllustrateD created its first 30 Under 30 List as a way to shine a light on the young people who make meaningful contributions to the sport of drag racing . Contradicting reports that drag racing ’ s participants were predominantly graying older men , the 30 Under 30 List proved that there are large numbers of men and women under 30 years old who are winning championships , setting records , creating innovative products , hosting needle-moving events , and more .
Since 2015 , the 30 Under 30 List has featured drivers , crew chiefs , tuners , crew members , track and series officials , track operators , manufacturer representatives , fabricators , engine builders , photographers , videographers , journalists , social media specialists , and many other personalities operating
in the sport . Both before and after being named to the list , honorees have won numerous world championships in anything from NHRA Top Fuel and PDRA Extreme Pro Stock to regional series and local track points series . They ’ ve become industry leaders , innovators , and newsmakers .
The honorees on this year ’ s 10th anniversary 30 Under 30 List are no exception . It ’ s a diverse group representing as many of drag racing ’ s dozens of subdivisions as possible , with a mix of men and women from across North America and beyond . The following features seek to recognize the honorees who make up this year ’ s list , but also honor the parents , teachers , teammates , mentors , and communities that have contributed to the honorees ’ success and development . It ’ s our hope that this issue also inspires the next generation of potential 30 Under 30 honorees . ➤ ➤ ➤
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