the Charlotte 4-Wide Nationals in the spring of 2016. I had my shot list of drivers and it was all my myself, no assistant and no one else from DI. I had a list of drivers to shoot, of which I knew none of them... and of course I was a complete unknown at the time. To help make it comfortable, the day before the race I spent several hours driving around the pits trying to find where each driver was located for a hopeful following-day shoot. I photographed every driver on the list and this included my first cover of Clay Millican.
Second, when shooting Thunder Valley in Bristol, I spent several hours documenting behind-the-scenes footage for Leah Pruett. I was literally part of her team for a several hours as we spent time talking in her private trailer before the race, I rode in their team tow car through staging, and was given a crew shirt so I could be on the line with the rest of the team. It was a very rare glimpse into what it feels like being a part of a Top Fuel team.
Third, the PRI party! These parties are always memorable... and although I don’ t remember everything, I know I had fun!
� What are you most proud of when you think about your own involvement with DI?
My relationship with the drivers and the teams. Over the years, I have built so many strong relationships, with some being legit friendships. Initially, with some of these drivers, it took a lot of work to schedule with their PR team for even a quick photoshoot, whereas now I am usually welcomed into the pits for personal conversation regardless of my photo assignment. Over the years, I have had a few drivers fly in to specifically work with me for hero card shots and I’ ve even been invited to some weddings!
� What are you most proud of when it comes to DI’ s involvement in the sport?
I am so proud of how the entire DI team sincerely cares about raising awareness to this form of motorsport. It is a passion you absolutely cannot fake! Every person I have met affiliated with the publication wants to tell the story of these amazing drivers and teams and does so through the lens of a high tide lifting all boats.
National Dragster magazine. Both publications are super special to my heart, and it is an honor to be able to say that I’ ve written – and continue to write – for them both.
� Do you have a favorite or most memorable issue?
YES! The 30 Under 30 issues are always my favorite. I always hope to be asked to contribute, and then when I do get the assignments and get to interview the honorees, it’ s just tinged with such joy. Making the DI 30 Under 30 list has become something that really matters in the drag racing community, and to be a small part of celebrating these individuals is so much fun.
� What’ s your favorite memory of contributing to DI?
In 2019, I was invited to write the cover story for the annual issue that would shift to
“ IT REACHES MANY CORNERS OF OUR WORLD AND DIGS DEEP INTO THE PEOPLE SIDE OF THINGS...”
� WADE be known as Women of Power the following season. The 2019 rendition featured Jasmine and Jianna Salinas( now Evaristo), and they so kindly sat with me for more than an hour on Friday morning of the Phoenix event. We talked about many things beyond drag racing, and their mom, Monica, sat in with us. Observing the dynamic between them and being able to dig below the surface and begin to understand what drives these women was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I found them inspirational, complex, thoughtful, compelling. I just remember walking away from that interview and feeling like the next layer on my own career had been pulled back.
� What are you most proud of when you think about your own involvement with DI?
That I’ ve been invited back so often. Seeing your name in the masthead of a respected publication is a really big deal, and being asked to contribute to these issues that matter so much to so many is something I value.
� What are you most proud of when it comes to DI’ s involvement in the sport?
Well, first off, it’ s a beautiful publication. The cover feels like satin and the pages pop with gorgeous glossy images. Aside from the aesthetics, I really appreciate the effort to cover
KELLY WADE
Contributing Writer
� How and when did you join DI?
In April of 2018, Nate asked me if I would be interested in writing a few stories. I’ d been freelance writing for quite a few years, but this was my first time really committing to producing content for a publication outside of NHRA’ s
144 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 200