Drag Illustrated Issue 179, November / December 2022 | Page 55

Special Section

CARSTEN NYERGES

CARSTEN NYERGES grew up around drag racing thanks to his dad , Top Sportsman veteran Chris “ Nitrous ” Nyerges , but he was more interested in two-wheel action away from the dragstrip early on . That ’ s changed over the last few years as he ’ s become a contender himself in MagnaFuel Top Sportsman presented by Vortech Superchargers . While he finished just outside the top 10 in points this season , the 24-year-old collected round wins at numerous races and got the opportunity to compete at the race-your-way-in Summit Racing PDRA ProStars event . As a part of Dr . Gary Schween ’ s multi-car team with the elder Nyerges and Maximus Butcher , Carsten is poised for even bigger things in 2023 .

GAVIN WOOD

AT JUST 11 , third-generation drag racer Gavin Wood had a breakout season in Classic Graphix Top Jr . Dragster presented by Philadelphia Racing Products . Driving a Jr . Dragster that matches his father Dane ’ s Pro Nitrous Mustang , Wood raced to victory at the Doorslammer Derby in Kentucky , defeating eventual world champion Hannah Sheppard in the final round . Another victory followed just two races later at the North vs . South Shootout at Maryland . With a semifinal finish rounding out his 2022 highlights , Wood went into the World Finals as one of three drivers in the running for the world championship . The Virginia native bowed out in the opening round , finishing third in points .

ETHAN STEDING

ETHAN STEDING ROLLED into this season as the defending world champion in Coolshirt Systems Pro Jr . Dragster presented by Philadelphia Racing Products . The Pittsburgh-area driver enjoyed another strong campaign in the class , taking his P2 Contracting entry to the winner ’ s circle at his home state race , the Summit Racing Northern Nationals presented by Penske Racing Shocks at Maple Grove Raceway . Despite a couple DNQs in the ultra-competitive Pro Jr . Dragster class , Steding finished the year fourth in points . is on the move for 2023 , though . Late this season , he announced his plans to debut a new Pro Street entry . The Jeffers-built , late-model Camaro will
sport a supercharged powerplant similar to the one that powers the P2 Contracting Pro Boost Camaro driven by Ethan ’ s dad , Kurt Steding . With Todd “ King
Tut ” Tutterow and his son , 2016 30 Under 30 honoree Ty Tutterow , calling the shots on the new car , it should be a serious player .
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