The Movers & Shakers section in DI #188, dedicated to the World Series of Pro Mod issue, is truly exceptional. It captures the faces and stars that filled Bradenton, Florida, in early March this year, showcasing the bright future of the WSOPM.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #188, the World Series of Pro Mod Issue, in May/June of 2024. Photographs by Luke Nieuwhof, Scott Witty, and Chris Sears]
“Everything’s changed. Nobody knew us last year. I came in under the radar. Nobody was expecting anything out of us. This year, everybody knows who we are.” Spencer Hyde, 2023 WSOPM champion
MATCHMAKER: Drag Illustrated’s Craig Cook, who coordinated the matchups for Rivals Night at WSOPM, takes in the results of his efforts from the starting line on Friday night.
CALLING THE ACTION: Mike Carpenter, DI’s COO and Design & Production Director, joins FloRacing commentator Jason Galvin to provide color commentary during Saturday’s thrilling final qualifying session.
THE LAW: Bradenton Motorsports Park General Manager and Tower Coordinator Laurie “Law” Johnson watches over the starting line from her post in race control, where she runs the computer and contributes to the overall flow of the event.
ROLE REVERSAL: Kaylee Curran (left), the official track photographer at Bradenton, is normally on the other side of the camera. Here, she reviews a customer’s photos with photographer-in-training Emily Hernandez in the KC Photography trailer.
WORKFLOW: Pro Mod veteran Brandon Pesz prepares his screw-blown “Head Hunter” ‘53 Corvette for qualifying. The co-owner of PJS Racing Engines found cracks in his chassis, but an overnight trip to Cameron Johnson’s CJ Race Cars had Pesz back on track for Saturday’s two final sessions.
ONE FAST FRANKLIN: Three-time and reigning PDRA Pro Nitrous world champion Tommy Franklin walks with his Red Line Oil-backed, Musi-powered “Jungle Rat” ‘69 Camaro through the staging lanes. The PDRA co-owner qualified third on the 65-car qualifying order.
SMALL WORLD: Paige Coughlin and Mike Bowman, who typically race against each other in Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings competition, pose for a quick photo between signings at an autograph session at the DI booth at WSOPM. Coughlin competed in Top Dragster, while Bowman was attempting to become the first-ever two-time WSOPM champion.
ALWAYS AN EAGLE: Cox Racing team owner Fletcher Cox signs jerseys for young fans on his way back to the pits after a pass by his “Nova Joe” Albrecht-driven, ProCharged ‘69 Camaro. Cox recently announced his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for 12 seasons.
CALLING THE SHOTS: WSOPM Race Director Gavin Carter takes in the scene developing in the Saturday night driver’s meeting and first-round chip draw. The 2021 DI 30 Under 30 honoree was in his second year as WSOPM race director.
AMERICAN PRIDE: DI Founder and Editorial Wes Buck (left), Racers For Christ Chaplain Tammie Smith (middle), and a row of fans stand at attention facing the flag as Sylvie Valiente performs the national anthem on Sunday afternoon at the WSOPM.
GREEN AND GRAY: Chad Green (left), who just one month prior won the Top Fuel vs. Funny Car Shootout during the PRO Superstar Shootout in his nitro Funny Car, shares a laugh with fellow Pro Mod competitor J.R. Gray at the top-end turnoff.
ROOTING FOR THE ROOTS: Hidden behind his signs, Pro Mod driver Bob Glenn and his daughter, Ashley Graziano, make their voices heard for the roots supercharger combination. Glenn was the only driver utilizing the combo in this year’s WSOPM Pro Mod field.
IN THE CLUB: Stroud Safety’s Tommy Cunningham sports the RACERSCLUB “Late Night” t-shirt as he unwinds after making a pass in his screw-blown ‘67 Mustang in the Chicago-Style Second-Chance Race at WSOPM.
FAST FRIENDS: Sophia Buck, daughter of DI Founder and Editorial Director and WSOPM Promoter Wes Buck, hangs out in the pits with her new friend, PDRA Sportsman Rookie of the Year and Top Jr. Dragster title contender Victoria Beaner.
TEAM PLAYER: RACERSCLUB Brand Manager Josh Dixon jumps into action to make sure fans entering Bradenton Motorsports Park know about the autograph session happening at the DI booth in the staging lanes. In addition to the open pits, fans had numerous opportunities to meet their favorite drivers.
This story was originally published on July 26, 2024. 
