Wed, 30 Jan 2002, 07:31 AM Drag Racing Action Magazine to Debut this Spring

NEW YORK -- Harris Publishing, one of the nation's largest publishers of special interest magazines, today announced that it will introduce DRAG RACING Action Magazine later this spring. DRA will be a bi-monthly title that will reach the nation's newsstands in June.

"I'm excited about this new project," said company founder Stanley Harris from his New York office. "We've got an enthusiastic, experienced staff already at work on DRAG RACING Action, and I'm convinced we're going to be able to bring all the color and excitement of 330 mile per hour dragsters and Funny Cars to the printed page.

"Along with a strong mix of feature material, DRAG RACING Action will include racer-oriented tech articles that will help both experienced and neophyte competitors make their cars quicker and faster, which is something any racer can relate to.

"When it comes to our feature material, DRAG RACING Action is going to get the sport's millions of fans the kind of inside look at their heroes that they simply can't get from any other source.

"Drag racing is an incredibly healthy sport with a growing fan base, and increasing corporate participation. NHRA just signed a new series sponsor in Coca-Cola's POWERade division, and the IHRA is also on the move. Both associations have good television packages, which obviously helps expand the sport's exposure.

"But, as good as those television shows might be, they can't deliver the kind of in-depth coverage of the sport that DRAG RACING Action will.

"Believe me, I'm looking forward to this."

The staff of DRAG RACING Action Magazine will be headed by Editor Jon Asher, a drag racing photojournalist with 37 years experience. Along with being a former editor of Car Craft Magazine, Asher was the motorsports editor of Street &Strip Magazine and is a senior editor/senior photographer for RACER Magazine.

"Making DRAG RACING Action Magazine the kind of exciting, colorful publication we know it can be will be a big job," Asher said from his office in New Mexico, "but I know it can be done. We're in touch with the nation's most experienced drag racing writers and photographers, so I know I'm on safe ground to say that our editorial package is going to have something for every fan and participant.

"Drag racing is an incredibly visual sport, so each issue is not only going to include well-written feature and tech stories, it's going to include the most scintillating photography ever seen in a publication covering the quarter mile sport."

Brett Underwood, currently the Advertising Director for Harris Publishing's Mopar Action title, will hold a similar position with DRAG RACING Action. Underwood brings a wealth of experience to his new position, including the enthusiasm that's been the hallmark of his career.

"As far as I'm concerned," he said, "this couldn't have come at a better time for the sport. Both major associations are moving forward, there are more fans at every race, and there are new cars and new aftermarket products being introduced on an almost weekly basis. DRAG RACING Action is going to cover all of that, and I know we're going to have the strong support of the aftermarket community.

"I can't wait to get started."

Look for DRAG RACING Action Magazine on your local newsstand in June