COVER to
COVER
A look back at 199 Drag Illustrated covers
BY NATE VAN WAGNEN
The 200th issue of Drag IllustrateD wouldn’ t be complete without a look back at the 199 issues that preceded this one. This is a complete collection of Drag Illustrated’ s covers spanning two decades. Over that time, the cover of this publication has become one of the most sought-after opportunities in the sport, for both the subject and the photographers that take them. Appearing on the cover has been an unspoken prize for winning major events like the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod and Lights Out. Racers have even attempted – unsuccessfully – to buy their way onto the cover.
Drag IllustrateD has spoken with an independent voice since the beginning, and that starts on the cover. Drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, manufacturers, promoters, and other influential figures from across drag racing’ s countless niches have appeared on the cover. All levels of prominence have been represented, from indisputable icons like“ Big Daddy” Don Garlits and John Force to small-town bracket racers and underground grudge racers. For many cover stars, their cover appearance was the first time fans could put a face to a name. These covers also reflect the evolution of the sport over a 20-year period, showing who came and went and who had staying power.
Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this feature is as accurate as possible, based on the materials, records, and reporting available in the Drag IllustrateD archives. ➤
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DI 1
SHANNON JENKINS March 2006 Photograph by Auto Imagery
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DI 2
MAX NAYLOR May 2006 Photograph by Auto Imagery
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DI 3
MIKE HILL July 2006
Photograph by Jason Sharp
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DI 4
DAVID WOLFE August 2006
Photograph by Jason Sharp
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May / June 2026 |
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