D. I. COLUMNIST The Real Deal with Tommy D ' Aprile
How many people like a good comeback story? Movies where the main character has an amazing comeback that gives us a plot to cheer about can be some of the best movies to watch. Why do you think we love the comeback story so much? I think it’ s because deep inside, we all share the longing to cheer someone on who has been dealt adversity and we genuinely want to see them succeed. There is a feelgood quality about these types of stories that I truly enjoy.
You may ask where I am going with all of this. Well, here it is. I have the absolute pleasure of informing my readers that I am making my Pro Modified return at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series in Bradenton, Florida, later this year. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I have been given the opportunity to return to one of the most exciting and competitive classes in drag racing thanks to some amazing people, and for that I feel very blessed and I am truly grateful.
My rookie season was in 2006 and along the way have had multiple victories and a world championship. Hard work, dedication, and the amazing people surrounding me have given me a very successful career in our sport, and to be provided with this new venture with the best parts and people again is just humbling.
What I want to get at is this: Although I have been given this opportunity, I want people to know something very important that we can all miss if we aren’ t careful. All of this – and I mean all of this – is meaningless to me unless I do the right thing with the opportunity given to me.
This is not about what Tommy D’ Aprile can get from this venture, but about what I can give. I have always said that no one will remember how many races you’ ve won, but they will remember you! To my team, fellow racers, event staff, and our fans, I would like to show the Love of Christ in my daily walk to make a difference that will last forever. I want my actions, attitudes, and behavior to be a witness that others can benefit from. Win or lose – and believe me, I am wanting to win – I want my character to be that of which my team and peers can be proud of.
I am putting myself out there to be accountable for our great sport of drag racing. For too many years it was all about me. Now, I want to be there to make a difference in people’ s lives at the races. Serving the ministry will be an important role in my racetrack activities and one that I am very excited to be part of as well.
We can all do our part in making this sport of drag racing great. Leaving people better off than when you first met them and showing a serving attitude can change lives. That’ s something to be excited about! I have been given this comeback opportunity and I will use it to bring honor and glory to God, and if I’ m doing that, for sure lives will be changed for the better. All of us can do this, but as always, the choice is yours to make. DI
Email Tommy at tommyd @ dragillustrated. com
September / October 2025
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