Well, here it is. 2026. Happy New Year to all! 2025 was a great year at DF Motorsports Magazine. I really appreciate each and every one of you who took a moment to speak with me, or came here to read my columns. If you weren’t a part of it, check out the Year in Review magazines on the Merchandise page or peruse the web site. All this and it’s looking like 2026 could be even better. It just feels like enthusiasm and optimism for the sport is growing and people on a whole just seem to in a better place looking forward. Before we jump into the new year with both feet, let’s have a look back at 2025 as I share my Top 5 favorite columns from last year.

Number 1: Eric Gilbert – That First Pass Down the Track

Eric Gilbert – That First Pass Down the Track

Anyone who witnessed Mike Etchberger handing over the driver’s seat of his notorious wheelstanding Willys to young Eric Gilbert had quite a treat. Seeing how excited he was after making that first pass just had to put a smile on your face. That was the ultimate in getting the younger generation involved in the sport and everyone who knew what was going on was thrilled that it happened. It was definitely a good day for all involved and I felt blessed to be able to cover it.

Number 2: Dawn Perdue and the Wicked Sinsation Jet Dragster

Dawn Perdue and the Wicked Sinsation Jet Dragster

There were a couple things that stood out about this one. First, Dawn Perdue is one of the most gracious pit hosts I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing. She has a way of making anyone who stops into her pit feel welcome and a part of the team. A very outstanding ambassador for the sport. Second, that jet dragster is just flat out one of the most amazing cars you’ll see on a track. From the high-pitched whine of the engine, to the thunderous booms in the staging lanes, to all the fire and smoke, and finally the ridiculous force of that thing going down the track, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better quarter-mile spectacle. I had a number of photos filled with blades of grass swirling about as the car took off. Quite an experience to watch!

Number 3: Ben Knechel’s 1954 Customline Sedan

Ben Knechel’s 1954 Customline Sedan

If you saw Ben’s car in the staging lanes, you might wonder why it’s anything special, or how it ended up here as one of my favorites. It’s simple, really. Ben Knechel, with this car, has embodied what hot rodding is all about. More concerned about the experience than looks is only part of what makes this car stand out. Not a flashy coupe, but a sedan covered with patina. Built for the purpose of enjoyment. The car was driven to the track, raced (not to mention winning his class), driven home, and scheduled to be driven to work on Monday. A daily-driven car built for the purpose of getting the most out of every moment, be it on the street or on the track.

Scott Hasko and “The Relic”…It’s More than Just Racing

The Born Again Race Team… It’s Much More than Just Racing

These two columns are lumped together, because, as you can tell by the way they share similar titles, they have similar themes.

As a lot of drag racers can tell you, there’s a strong family atmosphere at any track and many times, racing family bonds can be stronger than that of blood family bonds. Scott Hasko blends the two as he annually has a get together in his pits featuring friends and family. It’ something they all look forward to and enjoy. It’s a pleasure to witness the love and laughter that goes on in his pit when they all get together. It’s something more important than the racing and it shows. Scott does seem to get the most out of this as he’s had a habit of winning a few races while this gathering of friends is there to share in the experience.

Next up is the Born Again Race Team. These guys also focus on the importance of friends and family more than the importance of the race, but their goal is to grow a more eternal group of friends and family. The way they enthusiastically share their faith in a loving manner without being pushy is a real witness that there’s more important things in life than winning a trophy. Being around these guys shows you there’s a lot more to life than what we see in the world. Stop by and talk to them if you see their display at the track.

On to 2026!

Well, gang, that’s it for now. Stay tuned for cars and people who will wander across the path of DF Motorsports Magazine in 2026!