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FT. WORTH, Texas (May 27, 2025) – Steve King, winner of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, is the cover star of Drag Illustrated’s May/June Issue, which offers an extensive look back at the $150,000-to-win event at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The World Series of Pro Mod Issue is a commemorative edition looking back at the final race of the inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Modified series that featured championship drivers from across drag racing’s many corners. The digital edition is out now, while print copies will hit mailboxes in mid-June.
In addition to the cover story on King, the WSOPM Issue includes a major feature on Ken Quartuccio, who won the inaugural DI Winter Series championship, which came with a $25,000 bonus, a championship ring, custom trophy, and more. The issue also contains features on the biggest stars and storylines of the WSOPM and the Winter Series as a whole.
"The inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series – culminating in the sixth running of the World Series of Pro Mod – was a massive undertaking for our whole team, so it’s fitting that we’re looking back on it all in one our largest issues ever,” said Wes Buck, Founder and Editorial Director of Drag Illustrated and WSOPM promoter. “Since 2017, we’ve billed the World Series of Pro Mod as the ‘Biggest, Richest Pro Mod Race in the History of the Known Universe.’ This year’s race took that to a new level – 80 drivers fighting for a spot in the 32-car field to compete for the $150,000 prize. It was a historic weekend with some incredible stories, and we’ve fit as many of them as possible into this WSOPM Issue."
In the cover story written by Craig Cook, King recalls the moments that led up to his final-round win over two-time NHRA Pro Mod world champion Stevie “Fast” Jackson at the WSOPM in early March.
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“It’s really been unbelievable. It’s like I’m living in a dream world at the moment even three months later,” said King. “It’s the stuff you dream of growing up. Being on the cover of Drag Illustrated, plus winning the World Series of Pro Mod and everything that comes along with that, it’s been kind of like a fairytale. I’m just riding along and trying to take it all in.”
King also talks about the significance of the accomplishment not just for him, but for his whole team, which includes team owner Gene Pilot, tuner Jon Salemi, and crew chief Jeff Miller.
“I know my face gets the cover of the magazine, but it takes an army of people to race at this level,” King said. “I’m just very fortunate to have Gene Pilot and Jeff Miller and the whole G-Force Race Cars gang behind me. I’m just living the dream, and I say that a lot, but it really is true.”
Since winning the WSOPM, King has appeared on numerous podcasts and in social media videos produced by Jess Miliante of ET Editz as the team expands its Pilot Racing social media presence. On track, King rolled straight into the PDRA Pro Boost season with a semifinal exit at the season-opening East Coast Nationals.
“We’re running the whole PDRA season trying to win a race or two over there to hopefully compete for a championship in Pro Boost, which I think is the most competitive class in drag racing right now,” King said.
The WSOPM section also features commentary from runner-up Stevie Jackson, No. 1 qualifier Mark Micke, and the other winners at the WSOPM: Pro 10.5 Challenge winner Ethan Steding, Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational winner Johnny Pluchino, Lil’ Gangstas winner Jimmy Dale, Intercontinental Top Sportsman Championship winner Ronnie Proctor, Intercontinental Top Dragster winner Hailey Hawkins, Super Pro Shootout winner David Braskett, and Jr. Dragster Shootout winner Bobby Starr.
“Going on the cover of the WSOPM Issue is one of the many perks of winning this race,” said Nate Van Wagnen, Editor-in-Chief, Drag Illustrated. “Winning the WSOPM is a massive feat, especially considering this year’s record field. Steve King and the Pilot Racing team deserved the rock star treatment. Luke Nieuwhof captured the over-the-top WSOPM winner’s circle experience in the cover photo, and Craig Cook did such a great job with the cover story, doing a deep dive into the WSOPM magic that went into Steve’s win. The whole issue is packed with interesting stories and captivating photos by the talented photographers who covered WSOPM. We hope this is a keepsake issue for the racers and fans who attended the race, but also those who watched from home.”
Outside of WSOPM and Winter Series coverage, DI #194 includes coverage from events like the March Meet, the Spring Fling Million, and the PDRA, MWDRS, and Southeast Gassers season openers.
Readers can now view the entire World Series of Pro Mod Issue for free at digital.dragillustrated.com.
Photos by Luke Nieuwhof
