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Wes Buck, the editorial director and founder of Drag Illustrated magazine, is passionate about the future of drag racing. \u201cThis is the great American motor sport,\u201d Buck said in announcing the fourth annual 30 Under 30 list at the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
Buck wants drag racing fans and the general public to be knowledgeable about up-and-coming drag racers, whether they\u2019re drivers, mechanics, public relations operatives, track operators or officials in the sport. He wants these people to be seen as the \u201ccool kids.\u201d When he was growing up in the sport, drag racers weren\u2019t the cool kids at school; he\u2019s doing all he can to change those perceptions by accenting the future of drag racing. \u201cWe need to shine a light on these young men and women,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need kids to want to do this for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fourth annual 30 Under 30 list and its members are the subject of Drag Illustrated\u2019s December issue, which features NHRA Top Fuel racer and double race-winner Blake Alexander, of Bob Vandergriff Racing, on the cover. With 7,000 nominations, the staff of the magazine had a tough job comprising the 30 best, after nominees were submitted through the ZP Performance Steering nominating process.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a sport, we need to be looking forward, identifying the next superstars and heroes who will carry drag racing into the future. This is our way,\u201d Buck stated, \u201cof recognizing the accomplishments of a group of young people we believe have done big things and encouraging them as they continue to make moves in the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2018 30 Under 30 list includes the following personalities: Blake Alexander, Cory Gulitti, Jordan Ensslin, Matthew DeYoung, Tyler Bohannon, Cam Clark, Jake Simmons, Brandon Greco, Devin Isenhower, Nicole Liberty, Kyle Lang, Cole Rokosky, Madyson Ayesh, Jimmy Plimpton, Jr., Justin Hutto, Santo Jr. and Santino Rapisarda, Jake Howard, Sadie Glenn, Daniel Young, Edmond and Caleb Ellison, Jake Sanders, Rachel Meyer, Camrie Caruso, Mike Decker III, Andy Schmall, Ashley Pritchett, Charles Myers, Kris Whitfield and Marina Anderson.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always do our best to include honorees from all corners of the sport, but this year\u2019s list is perhaps our most diverse yet,\u201d said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief. \u201cFrom championship-caliber NHRA sportsman racers to small-tire racing stars, Australian Top Fuel tuners to series promoters and track managers, the 2018 30 Under 30 list truly represents the future of drag racing in all of its forms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buck and Van Wagnen want race fans, and potential race fans, to understand that \u201cdrag racing is hard. It\u2019s a trying sport and extremely expensive,\u201d Buck reminded. \u201cIt warms my heart to see young people out there in the sport. It\u2019s my job to shine a light on them.\u201d<\/p>\n
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