Drag Illustrated is proud to announce the release of its 2025 30 Under 30 Issue, the 10th edition of the magazine’s annual celebration of drag racing’s most promising young drivers, tuners, crew members, content creators, and industry professionals. The digital edition is now live, with the print edition set to debut later this week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis.
This year’s cover spotlights NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rookie Brayden Davis, who has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young racers in the sport. His breakout season, championship pedigree, and immediate impact in a challenging professional category made him a fitting choice to represent the milestone 10th edition of Drag Illustrated’s signature youth-focused initiative.
“The 30 Under 30 Issue is one of our biggest and most meaningful projects every year,” said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief of Drag Illustrated. “What started as a simple effort to highlight the young people making an impact in drag racing has become a defining movement in the industry. Ten editions in, we’ve honored hundreds of racers, engine builders, tuners, media professionals, manufacturers, and series officials who represent the sport’s next generation. This year’s class is one of the most diverse yet, covering every corner of drag racing.”
The 2025 list once again reflects the incredible depth of young talent emerging across the sport. Whether competing on the NHRA tour, chasing world records at outlaw events, fabricating world-class equipment, innovating behind the scenes, or building digital audiences that grow the sport, the 2025 honorees represent the passion, creativity, and drive shaping drag racing’s future.
Honorees will receive custom 30 Under 30 jackets, along with gift certificates and prizes from numerous program partners. Lincoln Electric will once again award a major prize package – including a TIG welder, welding kit, and welding class – to one honoree selected by random draw. This year’s program sponsors include Elite Motorsports, Lincoln Electric, Moser Engineering, P2 Contracting, PEAK Performance, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Stroud Safety, Strange Engineering, and VP Racing Fuels.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the companies and individuals who support the 30 Under 30 program,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and editorial director. “These partners believe deeply in the value of celebrating the next generation. Their support allows us to give these honorees the recognition – and the rockstar treatment – they deserve.”
The 2025 30 Under 30 press conference will take place Friday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. ET in the Sagamore Ballroom within the Indiana Convention Center. All honorees and their supporters are invited to attend. Group and individual photos of the 2025 30 Under 30 class will take place on stage immediately following the program.
2025 Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List
- Lainey Abney, Lil Gangstas racer
- Brandon Barker, bracket racer
- Scott Chitty, bracket racer
- Brayden Davis, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider
- Zane Diamond-Odell, Pro Mod and small-tire crew member
- Austin Flemming, chassis builder and racer
- Devin Grace, no-prep racer
- Austin Hayward, timing system specialist
- Billy Hoskinson, small-tire racer and content creator
- Melanie Johnson, NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver
- Austin Kardules, promoter and team marketing
- Jeff Kline, photographer
- Scotty Kruck, Lil Gangstas driver and tuner
- Jack Line, engine builder and crew member
- Jordan Manton, manufacturer
- Trevor Manton, manufacturer
- Sydney Marshall, track prep specialist
- Mikel McQueen, bracket racer
- Bryce Micke, Pro Mod crew member and manufacturer
- Brandon Miller, Pro Stock driver and NHRA Top Sportsman world champion
- Samuel Peterson, track prep specialist and driver
- Robert Richard, photographer
- Jack Roberts, no-prep tuner
- Bobby Savedra III, Pro Mod crew member and aspiring driver
- Mellie Snedeker, photographer and writer
- Taylor Strange, Pro Mod crew member and small-tire racer
- Megan Taylor, photographer and manufacturer rep
- Johnny Thompson, Pro Mod tuner and driver
- John Vergotz Jr., PDRA Pro Nitrous tuner and bracket racer
- Kyle Wade, import racer and content creator
- Joel Wensley Jr., PDRA Pro Street driver
Read the full 30 Under 30 Issue digital edition at digital.dragillustrated.com.
This story was originally published on December 8, 2025. 
