DI202
“ All the Track Will Hold”
FEATURES 26
WSOPM Texas-Bound
The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod is headed to Texas Motorplex in 2027. Set for March 5-7, the move brings Pro Mod racing’ s marquee event to the historic Texas facility, and will elevate the race into an even bigger experience for racers and fans. By Abby Werner-Woodward
SPECIAL SECTION
By DI Staff
The inaugural Drag Illustrated Power 100 recognizes the individuals and groups making a meaningful impact on drag racing today. The list represents every corner of the sport and the people pushing it forward. Page 98
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128
Night Under Fire 2026
Nearly 50 years after its inception, the Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire remains one of drag racing’ s biggest spectacles. DI contributing photographer Krista Zivcic was on site at Summit Motorsports Park. By Nate Van Wagnen
DEPARTMENTS
DI COLUMNIST
68 On the Road 72
Thirty-five years after his first trip to Bristol Dragway, Van Abernethy looks back on the stars, cars, and unforgettable moments that made 1990s drag racing so special. From Pro Mod’ s early pioneers to the Hemi Under Glass, the memories remain as vivid as ever.
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DI COLUMNIST
Fan View
From following Tony Stewart across multiple forms of motorsports to finding her own place in drag racing, Denise Schmidt reflects on what it truly means to be a fan. She celebrates the passion, loyalty, and investment of the people in the grandstands.
ON THE COVER NHRA Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon and Funny Car driver and team owner Ron Capps as photographed by Rick Belden at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NHRA, JT HUDSON, KRISTA ZIVCIC, LUKE NIEUWHOF, RICK BELDEN, JAMES SISK
6 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 202