When the initial “25 Reasons to Be Excited About Drag Racing” list dropped 14 years ago, the livestreaming at the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) was just introduced.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #190, the State of Drag Issue, in September/ October of 2024.]
Now, that seems old hat, and it’s almost expected of events to have livestreams or somewhere that live updates can be found, furthering the point that content is king.
A few livestream platforms that have since been created with the rise of the social media-obsessed generation are FloSports and FRDM+, YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland’s brainchild. Plus, there is NHRA.TV that gives fans access to live coverage of national and some regional events, with the option to watch behind-the-scenes content, just like FloSports. Of course, pioneering streaming service MotorManiaTV continues to offer livestreams of major bracket races and other events.
Not only has there been an increase in drag racing content overall, but there has also been a rise of racers, media, and fans getting in on the action.
One of the key platforms for sharing experiences is social media. With the rise of various social media apps, there’s been a significant increase in content. Anyone can easily share their experiences, whether it’s a racer giving an update or highlighting a sponsor. A fan witnessing something spectacular can share their point of view immediately, or they also have the chance to share a horrific crash right at their fingertips.
Additionally, motorsports media outlets are capitalizing on this trend by integrating mainstream sports coverage tactics. These include breaking news, statistics, live event coverage, and quote card graphics, enriching the drag racing narrative.
Behind-the-scenes videos have been extremely popular as well. Take Top Fuel dragster pilot Clay Millican. It’s safe to say that his fans are just as interested in what’s happening behind the scenes as to what’s happening on the track. Millican has even admitted that some of his sponsors commit to working with him not solely because of what he does on the track at NHRA national events, but because of the following of his YouTube channel and how it paints Millican in a diverse light.
Then there’s No Prep Kings. Many of them, like Ryan Martin and Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington, have supplemented their living with their YouTube channels, which only makes sense since our society is obsessed with reality TV.
The aforementioned Cleetus McFarland has nearly based his entire career on YouTube, getting the start with one viral video and learning to cultivate a fanbase that has allowed him to sustain his popularity for several years.
Adding another layer, dedicated motorsports influencers and content creators have emerged with the rise of content creation. These individuals, like drag-and-drive star Alex Taylor and multi-talented doorslammer wheelman Alex Laughlin, have tapped into a new revenue stream and are able to monetize social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
The rise of podcasts has given fans the chance to listen to new content almost every day of the week. Competitors, fans, and media outlets are all contributing to the coverage, offering a wide variety of topics and perspectives. This provides a unique opportunity to share the diverse stories within the world of drag racing.
This story was originally published on November 11, 2024. 
