Drag Illustrated is now accepting nominations for the 10th edition of its 30 Under 30 list, the magazine announced today. Nominees who are selected will appear in the upcoming DI 30 Under 30 Issue, which will be released in the week leading up to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in December. Honorees will also be recognized during a press conference at the PRI Show in Indianapolis. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 26.
“The 30 Under 30 project is one of the highlights of our year,” said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief, Drag Illustrated. “It all started as a rebuttal to the tired statement that drag racing is an aging sport. As we discovered that first year – and what’s reinforced every year since then – there are thousands of young people who are carrying drag racing into the future. From Top Fuel crew chiefs in Australia to photographers in America’s Deep South, men and women under the age of 30 are contributing to the sport in many ways and on a high level. Our mission with the 30 Under 30 Issue is to recognize those individuals, inspire other young racers, and remind the world that drag racing’s future is in good hands.”
Past 30 Under 30 lists have included 2024 NHRA Funny Car world champion Austin Prock, 2023-2024 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Gaige Herrera, 2023 NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster world champion Julie Nataas, 2023 FIA European Top Fuel champion Ida Zetterström, 2024 PDRA Pro Street world champion Ethan Steding, 2025 Spring Fling Million winner Cooper Chun, and many other highly accomplished young drivers, tuners, fabricators, media members, track officials, and other personalities operating in the sport.
The 30 Under 30 nomination process is used not as a voting process or popularity contest, but as a way to learn about potential honorees who might not compete on the national stage or in a prominent position. The DI editorial team uses the information submitted to help decide the list, but also to write the 30 individual features on each honoree.
The 30 Under 30 Issue will make its debut at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, where honorees will also take part in a press conference and induction ceremony at the Indiana Convention Center. During the ceremony, honorees will receive a custom jacket, as well as gift certificates and other gifts from 30 Under 30 program sponsors.
“Everything we do is in the interest of elevating the sport of drag racing, and the 30 Under 30 list is a perfect example of that,” said Wes Buck, founder and editorial director of Drag Illustrated. “Going drag racing is hard. Victories aren’t always represented by trophies or big checks or time slips. The 30 Under 30 list recognizes those accomplishments, but also the other moments that mean so much to the young people who choose to spend their time at the racetrack. We want to celebrate those young guys and girls who make a meaningful impact on the sport, whether that’s on an international stage or at their local track.”
To nominate someone for Drag Illustrated’s 2025 30 Under 30 list, please submit your nomination here: www.dragillustrated.com/nominate.
This story was originally published on September 3, 2025. 
