Drag Illustrated Honors 30 Under 30 Program Partners Ahead of 2024 PRI Show Induction Ceremony
Over 10 years in existence, the DI 30 Under 30 program has attracted the attention of dozens of businesses operating inside and outside of the sport. These brands and their leaders share Drag Illustrated’s vision for encouraging drag racing’s next generation of stars.
Program sponsors contribute towards the custom 30 Under 30 class jackets, which honorees can be seen wearing throughout the PRI Show weekend and on the starting line and in the pits at races around the world. These partners also provide prizes like free or discounted products, merchandise, and gift certificates.
“Support for the 30 Under 30 program has exploded in the last few years,” says Brett Underwood, VP of sales and business development, Drag Illustrated. “These companies realize the men and women of the DI 30 Under 30 List represent the future of the industry. We’re proud to partner with these 15 brands to recognize the accomplishments of our 30 Under 30 honorees and provide them with some encouragement to continue chasing their goals.”
This year’s returning sponsors include the Lincoln Electric Company, Race Winning Brands, VP Racing Fuels, Moser Engineering, Stroud Safety, Red Line Oil, Powerbuilt Tools, PEAK Performance, and Elite Motorsports. Joining them are Strange Engineering, Sander Engineering, GESI, Steel-It Coatings, Empaco Equipment Corporation, and Pleasanton Ready Mix Concrete Inc.
“I believe being a partner of the 30 Under 30 program is a great way to say thank you to all the people selected,” says Lon Damon, sports marketing, Lincoln Electric. “They’re the future of drag racing, and Lincoln Electric wants to be part of that journey.”
“We are thrilled to be participating in the 30 Under 30 program for Drag Illustrated as it aligns with our strong belief in nurturing the next generation of our industry,” says Desiree Martinez, sales manager, Powerbuilt Tools. “We proudly support the growth and development of young talent in our industry.”
Brian Bohlander, Director of Marketing at Old World Industries, states, “The 30 Under 30 program shows the future of the sport is in great hands on and off the track. We are always looking for PEAK Performers to recognize for their contributions, and it’s an honor for us to work with Drag Illustrated on this great program to showcase the rising stars of the sport.”
“We hold a firm belief that this program stands out in recognizing the up-and-coming talent in our sport, and it gives these talented young men and women the spotlight they deserve,” says Jeff Anderson, marketing director for Moser Engineering. “It is why we have been a supporter of this program from year one, and we will continue because we understand the excitement and growth these outstanding men and women can bring to help us continue doing what we love.”
Mark Beatty, Red Line Oil Brand Director, shares, “This marks the fourth year we have been involved in the DI 30 Under 30 program; it is such an honor to support this program. Racing, and specifically drag racing, has never been stronger, and when you see the 30 Under 30 winners up on the stage, it’s easy to see why – authentic and enthusiastic young people working to keep our sport relevant. Thank you, DI, for showing the world that the future of drag racing is in good hands.”
“Race Winning Brands is proud to support the 30 Under 30 program and recognize these young standouts in drag racing,” says Scott Highland, director of marketing. “These individuals’ passion, dedication and contribution will fuel the sport into the future, so we all win.”
“At Stroud, we feel that it is important to show appreciation to young people that are choosing to go down a different path than their peers,” explains Tommy Cunningham, owner, Stroud Safety. “Whether this be as racers, crew, or other needed racing professionals, it is important to encourage them on their journey as they carry on this industry.”
“[VP Racing Fuels] likes the fact that this program recognizes young racers from all aspects – drivers, crew members, and people within our industry,” says Freddie Turza, technical manager, VP Racing. “This is a great program that could be expanded upon even bigger!”
“The 30 Under 30 program Drag Illustrated has helped to showcase a group of men and women that will be future leaders of drag racing on and off the track,” says Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports. “We love being a part of recognizing talented individuals who are and will be great stewards of the sport of drag racing. All of us at Elite Motorsports see great value in being involved in this program because supporting things like this is just the right thing to do. We grew from very humble beginnings, and we never lose sight of that. These 30 individuals each year are the future.”
“Our team at Sander Engineering is very proud to be able to support the 2024 30 Under 30 nominees,” says Vic Wood, business development and race team relations manager, Sander Engineering. “We wish them well as they advance their careers in this great industry. We invite you all to come by Booth #1043 at the PRI Show to say hi!”
“My daughter, Kassandra, was a 30 Under 30 honoree a couple years ago, and I just think it’s great for the sport,” says Mark Pawuk, president, Empaco Equipment Corporation. “I’ve been around the sport for 50-plus years. It’s nice to see the younger kids getting recognized because that’s the future of our sport. It’s just an honor that I can give back to the sport and do things to help the next generation of racers, hopefully climbing through the different ranks to become professional racers at some point in their life.”
This story was originally published on November 27, 2024.
The post Drag Illustrated Honors 30 Under 30 Program Partners Ahead of 2024 PRI Show Induction Ceremony first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
