25 Reasons to Be Excited About Drag Racing

By Nate Van Wagnen, Kayla Zadel, Craig Cook, and Jessica Hicks Spears

Almost 15 years ago, Drag Illustrated Issue #42 featured a special section called “25 Reasons To Be Excited About Drag Racing” that highlighted two dozen reasons why drag racing was in a good position. At the time, many needed a reminder that the sport would not just survive through the tumultuous economic times and high gas prices, but it would thrive. The section focused on people, places, things, and happenings that proved drag racing was strong and had a bright future. 

Over the last nearly 150 issues since that feature, Drag Illustrated has continued to shine a light on what we believe are some of the most exciting people, moments, and stories that our sport has to offer. In the following pages, we revisit some of the movements that have developed since the last “25 Reasons” feature with a strong emphasis on what’s happening now and what will carry drag racing into the next 15 years. 

[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #190, the State of Drag Issue, in September/ October of 2024.]

1. John Force is a Survivor
2. Pro Mod is Becoming a Premier Class
3. The Nitro Dream is Still Alive
4. No Prep Kings Evolves
5. The Granddaddy of Them All Celebrates 70 Years
6. Pro Stock is Getting Younger
7. Tony Stewart is a Top Fuel Rookie
8. Business is Booming
9. New and New-Look Tracks Are Emerging
10. Match Racing is Alive and Well
11. Top Alcohol Turns Up the Heat
12. Radial Outlaws Adds Big Money, Championship Stakes to Radial vs. the World
13. Small Tires, Big Money
14. Content is King: Racers, Media, Fans Tell Their Own Stories
15. Place Your Bets: Legal Gambling Arrives in Drag Racing
16. Drag-and-Drive Is on the Rise
17. No-Time Racing Continues to Evolve
18. Outlaw 10.5 is Back
19. Independent Events Are Thriving
20. Fuel Altereds Live Forever
21. Sport Compact Survives: Xtreme Front Wheel Drive Surging
22. Bracket Racing Continues to Offer Crowds, Competition and Camaraderie
23. The Secret is Out
24. A New PRO Show?
25. Grassroots Promoters Make Their Presence Known

This story was originally published on November 11, 2024.