Drag Illustrated Issue 170, August 2021 | Page 8

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FEATURES 28
TAFC Gets the Spotlight
After joining the Mid-West Drag Racing Series in 2020 , Top Alcohol Funny Car racers in the series have enjoyed a new co-headlining status with Pro Mod , along with generous payouts and exciting eighth-mile racing at premier tracks . By Josh Hachat

“ All the Track Will Hold ”

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From Jr . Dragster to Top Dragster
Jarrod Kissinger , a 20-year-old chassis builder , is one of a handful of former Jr . Dragster drivers who are now excelling in the PDRA ’ s Top Dragster class . The third-generation racer explains how racing Jr . Dragsters helped to prepare him for “ big cars .” By Nate Van Wagnen
Fighting for Free Bird
Free Bird Dragway ’ s location in a county nature park makes it one incredibly unique racetrack . But that location also threatens its future . The track ’ s passionate racers are hoping park board members will realize it ’ s an important part of the community . By Van Abernethy
Not Just a Trade Show
Performance Racing Industry ( PRI ) is known as the group behind the hugely popular PRI Show in December , but as PRI president Dr . Jamie Meyer explains , the organization is about more than just a trade show . By Nate Van Wagnen
DEPARTMENTS

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TRIBUTE 26 Kyle Seipel
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One of bracket racing ’ s most beloved personalities succumbed to his brave battle with cancer on June 21 . Seipel was known for his infectious passion for racing and his incredible talent in numerous different roles , from driving and coaching other drivers to putting on races . He was 50 . By Kelly Wade
DI COLUMNIST
On the Road
Van Abernethy has visited over 150 different dragstrips since he first went to Rockingham Dragway in his native North Carolina . He revisited some of his favorite memories at “ The Rock ” during his most recent visit , where he sat down with track owner Steve Earwood , who will retire in 2022 .
ON THE COVER Great American Guaranteed Million promoters Gaylon Rolison Jr . ( left ) and Britt Cummings as photographed by James Sisk at Holly Springs Motorsports in Holly Springs , Mississippi .
PHOTOS : COLE ROKOSKY , TARA BOWKER
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