As one of the most respected voices in drag racing, Brian Lohnes has spent the better part of two decades narrating the sights and sounds of the sport’s most thrilling moments. From his humble beginnings as an announcer at New England Dragway to becoming the lead voice of NHRA national events and television broadcasts, Lohnes has seen it all—and called it all. Now, he’s bringing his wealth of experience and passion for drag racing to the 2024-25 Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service.
For Lohnes, the opportunity to be part of the three-race Drag Illustrated Winter Series is not just another job—it’s the culmination of years of involvement in two of drag racing’s most exciting outlaw events, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and U.S. Street Nationals, and now, the world’s most prestigious Pro Mod drag race, the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod.
“I have long loved being a part of the Snowbirds and the U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park,” Lohnes shared. “But for the first time, being able to complete the trifecta with the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod has me very, very fired up.”
The Drag Illustrated Winter Series, set to kick off in December, marks a new chapter for Lohnes, as he helps bring these three marquee events together under one banner. For him, the synergy of these events creates a unique atmosphere where the best drivers, teams, and cars from across the sport converge on Bradenton, Florida, for a winter-long showdown.
“Creating this three-race Winter Series was a fantastic idea,” Lohnes said. “It takes the energy that starts in December and continues to magnify it into the spring. The Snowbirds, U.S. Street Nationals, and World Series of Pro Mod are now connected, and that has a huge impact on the sport.”
What excites Lohnes most is the caliber of talent these events attract. To him, these races represent more than just individual competitions—they are a gathering of the sport’s finest, a true all-star event that showcases drag racing at its highest level.
“I have always seen these three races as drag racing’s legit ‘all-star’ races,” Lohnes said. “They draw cars from all corners of the continent and all the different organizations that promote competition. It’s a gathering of legends, champions, and talent unlike anything else in the sport.”
With the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, Lohnes believes the stakes have never been higher. What began as a series of standalone events has now evolved into a grueling three-race challenge, where teams must bring their best not once, but three times, in order to claim the first major title of the 2025 season.
“We get to see how these top-tier professionals take their program to its limit, not for one race, but for all three,” Lohnes said. “They’re fighting for drag racing’s first true championship of the 2025 season. It’s going to be incredible.”
As part of the series’ announcing team, Lohnes will be joined by two other drag racing legends behind the mic—Al Tucci and Steve Logan. Together, they will provide the ultimate in-venue experience for fans, guiding them through every moment of heart-pounding action.
The series will launch with the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks on December 6-8, 2024, followed by the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission in late January, and culminating with the highly anticipated Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Smokie’s Garage in February 2025.
For drag racing fans, this series offers something truly special—an opportunity to witness the sport’s finest talents go head-to-head in one of the most high-stakes environments in the world of motorsports. For Brian Lohnes, it’s about more than just announcing the races—it’s about celebrating the very best the sport has to offer.
“I’m proud to be part of this,” Lohnes concluded. “The Drag Illustrated Winter Series has quickly become the place to be in the off-season, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds on the track.”
This story was originally published on October 24, 2024. 
