DI166
“ All the Track Will Hold ”
FEATURES 20
Tribute : Blake Copson
The drag racing community was shocked and saddened to learn of Blake Copson ’ s passing as news spread on social media on March 6 . The Outlaw 10.5 world champion and 2019 DI 30 Under 30 honoree was 27 . His father , Joe , tuner Josh Ledford and car chief and close friend Joel Hull pay tribute to the beloved young star . By Nate Van Wagnen
WORLD DOORSLAMMER NATIONALS 2021
The stars of Pro Stock and Pro Mod , along with a slew of supporting cast members , returned to Orlando Speed World Dragway in early March to put on a show and race for big money at the second annual CTECH Manufacturing World Doorslammer Nationals presented by JEGS . Record performances , monster matchups and stunning upsets made for an unforgettable event . By Nate Van Wagnen & Josh Hachat
83 WES DISTEFANO 86 JOHN CERBONE 88 J . R . GRAY 94 BO BUTNER
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DEPARTMENTS
COLUMN
60 On the Road 63
Van Abernethy reminisces about the inaugural World Doorslammer Nationals and shares his experiences at the second annual event , highlighting the gratitude he and other attendees felt while taking in the aspects of a drag race that everyone took for granted before the pandemic .
COLUMN
The Real Deal
Longtime columnist and Pro Modified veteran Tommy D ’ Aprile announces his intentions to step back from competing on a national level and explains why he ’ s moving to a more localized schedule focused on spending more time with his family .
ON THE COVER Second annual CTECH Manufacturing World Doorslammer Nationals presented by JEGS Pro Stock finalists Cristian Cuadra and Fernando Cuadra Jr . and Pro Mod winner Khalid Al-Balooshi as illustrated by Josh Dixon .
PHOTOS : TARA BOWKER , LUKE NIEUWHOF , COLE ROKOSKY
8 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 166