DI201
“ All the Track Will Hold”
FEATURES 28
King of the South
Following a smash success in 2025, Corey Stamper and the Buff family were all set for this year’ s edition of the Ronnie Buff Memorial Race featuring King of the South, but Mother Nature had other plans. By Craig Cook
48
46
Perfect Performance
Travis“ The Carolina Kid” Harvey delivered when it mattered most, cutting a perfect. 0000 reaction time in the final round to secure a $ 125,000 victory at IHRA Pro Mod Mania at Milan. The win marked a career highlight for Harvey and team after a dominant race-day performance. By Craig Cook
48
Seeing Double
Tyler Baber arrived at Street Car Bragging Rights with an untested Mustang and modest expectations. He left Rockingham with two NHRA Wally trophies, $ 30,000 in prize money, and victories in both the Extreme 28s class and the SCBR Elite 8 Shootout. By Madelyn Zaron
124
Back in Business
Weeks after a devastating side-by-side accident left him hospitalized, tuner Lee White returned to the racetrack and guided Lyle Barnett to victory and a screw-blown Radial vs. the World record at the Shakedown at M’ Town. By Nate Van Wagnen
46 124
DEPARTMENTS
DI COLUMNIST
70 On the Road 73
After visiting 166 dragstrips across North America, Van Abernethy reflects on the unforgettable places, people, and adventures that have shaped his travels, from scenic mountain tracks and iconic facilities to buffalo ranches, UFO lore, and conversations with legends like Don Garlits.
DI COLUMNIST
The Real Deal
In a world dominated by texts, emails, and social media, Tommy D’ Aprile makes the case for something far more personal: a simple phone call. Reflecting on the power of genuine connection, he encourages readers to reach out without expecting anything in return.
ON THE COVER Lil Gangstas co-promoters Tom“ Jimmy Dale” Gunner and Michael Poland as photographed by Darrel Jackson Jr. at Shadyside Dragway in Shelby, North Carolina.
PHOTOS: KAITLYN WARD, ROBERT RICHARD, CAPRI WESLEY
6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 201