2024 has been a standout year for Drag Illustrated, building on its reputation as a leader in drag racing media across digital, social, video, and print platforms. With the launch of new shows and the ongoing success of its signature programming, Drag Illustrated has continued to bring fans closer to the sport they love.
Expanding Reach and Engagement
This year, Drag Illustrated grew its social media following to over 800,000. Monthly video views across social platforms surpassed 853,000.
With a network of podcasts, including The Wes Buck Show, Who Ya Got?, Reaction Time, and The Racing Business, paired with fast-moving news coverage, Drag Illustrated now reaches over 330,000 racers and enthusiasts every month.
“Drag Illustrated’s podcast platform has seen tremendous growth, with The Wes Buck Show streamed in 13 countries and ranking as a top-five video podcast on Spotify with near-perfect ratings,” said JT Hudson, Drag Illustrated’s VP of Business Development & Client Relations and executive producer of DI’s original content. “Our 2024 launches of Who Ya Got?, a gambling-focused show, and Reaction Time, a SportsCenter-style wrap-up hosted by Kayla Zadel, have both been major hits with fans. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to expand even further with new shows, including a bracket-racing podcast and one dedicated to no-prep racing. The enthusiasm from our audience has been incredible, and we’re just getting started!”
The Wes Buck Show
At the heart of Drag Illustrated’s programming is The Wes Buck Show, where founder Wes Buck, JT “Murder T” Hudson, and Mike Carpenter deliver expert analysis and compelling conversations about the most electrifying storylines in drag racing. This flagship show continues to be a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Drag Illustrated’s content.
Who Ya Got?
Breaking new ground this year, Drag Illustrated launched Who Ya Got?, the first-ever NHRA gaming and fantasy show. Hosted by JT Hudson and featuring guests like Rex Simmermaker, CEO of Winlight Bets, and Elon Werner, the show provides deep dives into stats, trends, and personalities in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, offering fans a fresh way to engage with the sport.
Reaction Time
The debut of Reaction Time, hosted by Kayla Zadel, brought fans closer to the action with highlights, interviews and updates from the drag racing scene. The show quickly became a go-to source for fans looking for an in-depth breakdown of the latest passes and developing stories.
The Racing Business
Hosted by industry veteran Jason Dukes, The Racing Business explores the world behind the scenes of motorsports. Through in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals, the show celebrates the individuals driving the business of racing forward.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 20 Years of Drag Illustrated
In October 2025, Drag Illustrated will mark its 20th anniversary—a monumental milestone for the publication that will be celebrated year-round, paying tribute to two decades of passion, innovation and dedication to the drag racing community. With special features, surprises and more planned throughout 2025, Drag Illustrated will honor its legacy while continuing to shape the future of drag racing media.
A Year of Growth and Impact
With more than 330,000 monthly readers and viewers, Drag Illustrated continues to deliver unparalleled value and engagement for its advertising partners, providing meaningful impact across every platform. The team is proud of the strides made in 2024 and looks forward to continuing this momentum into 2025.
Stay connected with Drag Illustrated for more news, analysis, and original programming.
This story was originally published on December 26, 2024. 
