Drag Illustrated Issue 118, February 2017 | Page 6

DI118 “All the Track Will Hold” FEATURES 32 Questions Answered The February announcement of the inaugural Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by One Cure resulted in a flurry of questions directed to the DI office. Editor-in-chief and WSOPM promoter Wes Buck has the answers to those questions. By Nate Van Wagnen 42 Q&A: Alexis DeJoria A series of unfortunate accidents and resulting injuries kicked Funny Car pilot Alexis DeJoria out of the seat at the end of last season. After a challeng- ing offseason, she’s back in the saddle of the Tequila Patrón fuel coupe. By Nate Van Wagnen 59 IHRA at Immokalee The IHRA is relying on its legion of sportsman racers this season as it works to develop a professional series for 2018. DI’s own Van Abernethy was on hand at Florida’s Immokalee Regional Raceway for the IHRA Sum- mit Sportsman National Championship season opener. By Van Abernethy 104 SPECIAL SECTION 84 84 The Hottest 2017 Our fifth annual look at drag racing’s most talented, accomplished and prom- ising women features personalities from all corners of the sport, from the FS1 broadcast booth to the cockpit of a 10,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster. 42 D I RT 40 A Bid Farewell Racers for Christ president Larry Smiley and his wife, Linda, have offered prayers and comfort to members of the NHRA community for 11 years. The duo is set to retire at the end of the 2017 season. CO LU MN 57 The Real Deal PDRA Pro Extreme star Tommy D’Aprile scored a big win at the PDRA Southern Extreme Nationals, but he’s learned that a successful weekend isn’t always about success on the track. CLOS E -U P 104 Back on a Buell Drag bike veteran Angie Smith is back on a familiar Buell as she and husband Matt chase Wallys in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle. By Nate Van Wagnen ON THE COVER NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Megan Meyer as photographed by Rick Belden at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, F