With the incredible number of racetracks, classes, regional organizations, and niches within drag racing, there’s a whole lot of opportunities for event promoters from top to bottom. Some promoters have found a way to make a legit living putting on drag racing events, but for many of the promoters operating today, promoting a once or twice a year race is their way of contributing to the sport while also maintaining a “real job” outside of racing.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #190, the State of Drag Issue, in September/ October of 2024.]
One of drag racing’s rising stars in grassroots promoting is TJ Pruitt, the founder of DragCoverage.com. He started the website in college after noticing a need to update local racers with news and event info in the South. The platform took off, and after encouragement from a mentor, Pruitt decided to leverage Drag Coverage to start promoting events. His first event in 2016 was a success, and in 2018, he promoted and hosted the biggest drag racing event in Atmore Dragway’s history. Today, he promotes the Drag Coverage Night of Fire, August 24, at Alabama International Dragway.
“The local racing community is what inspires me to put on events,” Pruitt says. “My vision is for local, grassroots racers to get the same recognition as professionals and race in front of huge crowds. Yes, the money and racing can be great, but it’s even more exciting to race in front of a grandstand full of spectators.
“I still do not consider myself a promoter,” Pruitt adds. “I’m an electrical engineer, and promoting and hosting events is one of the most challenging tasks I manage every year. However, it’s rewarding and worth it to see the smiles on the faces of racers and spectators. That’s what motivates and inspires me.”
Pruitt, who is also a racer himself, is an avid fan of all kinds of drag racing and has spent years paying attention to promoters operating in drag racing’s various corners.
“You can’t mention promoting without mentioning George Howard. He is the GOAT of promoting all types of drag racing,” Pruitt says. “I also look up to Edmund ‘Mr. Five Speed’ Hall, Mike ‘The Hitman’ Hill, Donald Long, Jared Pennington, Gaylon Rolison, and Jennifer Folk. Other names that come to mind are Carolina N/T, Pat Callen, and most recently, Jacob Harper. I admire these promoters because they have all built a loyal following that supports them through both good and tough times. They also bring great action.”
Pruitt also notices up-and-coming promoters like Tyler Bohannon and Brian Whitworth of TB Promotions, which puts on multiple big-money bracket races and recently added the Verge Quick Outlaw Series to their lineup.
“They have been successful on the big stage and are among the few promoters who can handle both big-bucks bracket racing and heads-up racing,” says Pruitt, who also mentioned track owner/operators who promote their own races, like Victor Alvarez at Bradenton Motorsports Park. “Oh, and while I wouldn’t consider her new, Mocha Allen at Finishline Dragstrip in Mississippi has absolutely been killing it!”
Beyond Pruitt and the promoters he mentioned, the list of promoters making their mark on drag racing is extensive. Just a few more examples include Michael Hollis and Barrett Green of Doomsday Promotions, Nate Prater with Street Car Braggin Rights, Justin Young of the Mod Nationals, and Tom Gunner and Michael Poland with Small Tire Gangstas.
This story was originally published on November 11, 2024. 
