LETTER from the EDITOR
For the last five years , the Drag Illustrated team has been heavily involved in putting on one major race each season . For the first three years , we partnered with the Bandimere family at Bandimere Speedway to hold the World Series of Pro Mod . In 2020 , we pivoted and started the World Doorslammer Nationals at Orlando Speed World Dragway , collaborating with Richard Freeman ’ s Elite Motorsports and Ozzy Moya and his team at Orlando .
These events obviously take a ton of work in the months , weeks and days leading up to the race . But things really take off when race week arrives and the DI team starts to file in to the track . Along with the OSW crew and a hand-selected tech team , our group gets to work doing whatever needs to be done .
DI Founder and Editorial Director Wes Buck spearheads the effort and can be seen doing everything from helping park rigs and directing vendors to their spots on the midway to making sure racers have what they need and clearing up any last-minute issues that pop up . COO and Design & Production Director Mike Carpenter and CFO Nancy Koeppen are also intensely involved , coordinating everything from VIP credentials to relaying information between race control and the tech team .
While all of this is going on , Senior Editor Josh Hachat and myself are working to make sure the world knows what ’ s going on at the race , with Josh writing a slew of web features about noteworthy happenings and results . In addition to posting these results and info across the DI and World Doorslammer Nationals websites and social media pages , we work with other media members and PR reps on site and working from home to help spread the word .
Getting a behind-the-scenes look at races like this has given me a new level of respect for the individuals and organizations that organize and hold major events several times or more per year . It ’ s a tremendous undertaking , and it takes a village of talented , dedicated and hard-working people who see it as more than just a job . I ’ m beyond proud of everyone who played a part in making this year ’ s World Doorslammer Nationals happen . That alone was a victory considering the currently challenging environment for live sporting events . Somehow , the event was even better than last year , which was hard to top .
Our work didn ’ t stop when the winner ’ s circle was packed up on Sunday night , though . After taking a couple days to catch our breath , we got to work
Nate Van Wagnen Editor-in-Chief
on the issue you ’ re reading right now . It ’ s become a tradition to reserve an entire issue for the events we put on , and I must say they ’ re usually one of my favorite issues to work on . It gives us a chance to look back on the major happenings that were flying by when we were in the moment .
While most of the moments during the event were joyous and cause for celebration , we received news late Saturday night that would add other emotions to the rest of the race . Our whole DI group was unwinding in the hotel lobby bar and restaurant after final qualifying when word began to spread around the room that Blake Copson , a 27-year-old rising star in the small-tire racing world , had unexpectedly passed away . The news was a gut punch to so many of us in the room , whether we knew Blake from a one-time encounter when he was celebrated as a DI 30 Under 30 honoree at the 2019 PRI Show or as someone who worked closely with Blake as a tech inspector or crew member .
We went into race day Sunday with Blake and his family , friends and teammates on our minds . The pre-race ceremonies included a moment of silence for Blake , and numerous racers wrote messages like “ RIP BCOP ” on their windows .
If you never had the pleasure of meeting Blake , you can learn so much about him from some of the people who knew him best by reading our tribute to Blake in this issue . I spoke to his proud father , Joe , who shared some of his favorite memories of racing with Blake , from his childhood spent pulling triggers at slot car races to his recent success as one of the most talented wheelmen in small-tire racing . In this piece , Blake ’ s tuner , Josh Ledford , and one of his best friends and car chief , Joel Hull , also explain what made Blake such a special person on and off the track .
I only had the chance to talk to Blake a couple times over the last few years , but one of the biggest impressions he left on me was that he was having the time of his life at the racetrack and he appreciated every minute of it .
As we go into a second season with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our lives , we should all try to honor Blake ’ s memory by borrowing from his approach to racing . Enjoy the moment . Don ’ t take anything for granted . Be a little nicer to the track employees . Take an extra minute to sign one more autograph for the kid standing at the back of your pit area . Shake your opponent ’ s hand whether you win or lose . That ’ s what Blake would do . The racing world could benefit from more people doing what Blake would do . DI
Feel free to email me at nate @ dragillustrated . com and follow me at facebook . com / nitronate1320 and nitronate1320 on Instagram and Twitter .
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10 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 166