One of the most anticipated events during each year’s three-day Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show, held this year December 11-13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, is the announcement of Drag Illustrated’s 30 Under 30 issue.
For the tenth year, this straight-line-racing-centric publication is bringing public attention to the future of the sport, recognizing the most promising young drivers, tuners, crew members. content creators and industry professionals, as nominated – by the thousands – by members of the racing community.
For this auspicious anniversary of the 30 Under 30 issue, Drag Illustrated is shining its spotlight on NHRA’s Pro Stock Motorcycle rookie Brayden Davis, who has become one of the most promising young racers in the sport. Racing a partial season on a (rental) Vance and Hines Motorsports Suzuki Hayabusa3 Pro Stock Motorcycle, Davis finished fifth in the final standings after the season finale was aborted due to Southern California’s torrential rains that severely damaged the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
Davis qualified for every race he entered, earned a brace of No. 1 qualifiers and had a trio of runner-up results at Indianapolis, St. Louis and Dallas. Featured on the Drag Illustrated cover, Davis’ efforts didn’t quite earn the rider NHRA’s Rookie of the Year award – that went to Jim Head Racing’s Spencer Hyde in Funny Car – but he definitely got the sport’s attention.
Nate Van Wagnen, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, noted Davis’ immediate impact in Pro Stock Motorcycle, always a challenging professional category, that made him the fitting choice to represent the milestone 10th edition of Drag Illustrated’s signature youth-focused initiative: “The 30 Under 30 issue is one of our biggest and most meaningful projects every year,” he said. “What started as a simple effort to highlight the young people making an impact in drag racing, has become a defining movement in the industry.
“Ten editions in, we’ve honored hundreds of racers, engine builders, tuners, media professionals, manufacturers, and series officials who represent the sport’s next generation,” Van Wagnen continued. “This year’s class is one of the most diverse yet, covering every corner of drag racing.”
The 2025 30 Under 30 list reflects the depth of young talent in straight-line racing. Whether the awardees work on the NHRA tour, are chasing world records at outlaw events, fabricating world-class equipment, innovating behind the scenes or building digital audiences that grow the sport, this year’s honorees represent the passion, creativity and drive shaping drag racing’s future.
Each honoree receives the coveted 30 Under 30 jackets, along with gift certificates and prizes from the program’s many partners. Lincoln Electric again awards the major prize package that includes a TIG welder, welding kit and welding class – to a single honoree selected by random draw. The 10th anniversary program’s partners include Elite Motorsports, Lincoln Electric, Moser Engineering, P2 Contracting, PEAK Performance, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Stroud Safety, Strange Engineering and VP Racing Fuels.
“We’re incredibly grateful to these companies and individuals who support the 30 Under 30 program,” stated Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and editorial director. “These partners believe deeply in the value of celebrating the next generation. Their support allows us to give these honorees the recognition – and the rockstar treatment – they deserve.”
Ten PRI shows ago, the 30 Under 30 honors were delivered in a single room of the Indiana Convention Center. The need for larger and larger quarters has ensued annually, and this year, the 30 Under 30 press conference takes place on Friday, December 12 at 1PM ET in the Sagamore Ballroom of this huge convention center. All honorees and their supporters are invited to attend. Group and individual photos of the 2025 30 Under 30 class will take place on-stage immediately after the program is completed.
By Anne Proffit
2025 Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List
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