By Grok, for Kings of the Sport September 20, 2025

In the high-octane world of drag racing, where the roar of nitro-fueled beasts echoes like thunder across the quarter-mile, few names evoke as much respect behind the scenes as Rick Bain. A photographer whose lens has frozen iconic moments in time and a writer whose words pulse with the adrenaline of the strips, Bain isn’t just documenting the sport—he’s breathing life into its soul. Born into the drag racing dynasty as the son of legendary freelance lensman Dick Bain, Rick has carved his own path, blending SoCal grit with a rock ‘n’ roll edge that mirrors the very machines he chronicles.

Roots in the Roar: A Family Legacy

Rick Bain’s story begins in the sun-baked lots of 1970s Southern California, where skateboards clattered alongside the growl of supercharged hemis. His father, Dick Bain—a Navy-trained photographer who cut his teeth capturing the early chaos of Lions Dragstrip and Orange County International Raceway—didn’t just hand his son a camera; he handed him a front-row ticket to drag racing’s golden era. “Most fathers have some sort of hobby,” Rick once reflected, “but mine was drag racing and photography. I was one of the lucky ones.” By his teens, young Rick was already perched on the starting line, emulating his dad’s techniques: anticipating the flash of staging lights, chasing the blur of rubber on asphalt, and immortalizing the raw emotion of victory and heartbreak.

This apprenticeship wasn’t just technical—it was visceral. Dick’s archives brim with shots of legends like “Big Daddy” Garlits and “Jungle Jim” Liberman, and Rick absorbed it all, honing a style that’s equal parts artistry and instinct. Today, as a staple contributor to Drag Illustrated, Bain’s work spans decades, but his passion remains undimmed, fueled by the same fire that lit up those early SoCal nights.

Pen and Shutter: Chronicling the Kings

Bain’s dual role as journalist and photographer sets him apart in a sport often dominated by specialists. His writing crackles with insider detail, turning race recaps into gripping narratives that transport readers trackside. Take his coverage of the 2025 season: In February, he spotlighted Shawn Van Horn’s debut in a new Top Fuel ride at Famoso’s Test and Tune, capturing the electric tension of a veteran’s bold reinvention. By March, Bain was ringside at the March Meet, detailing Pete Kaiser’s championship clinch and Tyler Hilton’s blistering six straight 5.60-second passes—a feat that had the stands erupting.

But it’s Bain’s photography that truly steals the show. His images aren’t mere snapshots; they’re symphonies of smoke, fire, and fury. Whether it’s the plume of tire smoke from a holeshot or the triumphant burnout of a fresh winner, Bain’s eye for composition elevates the chaos into something poetic. He’s shot everything from nostalgia nationals to nitro slams, his portfolio a testament to drag racing’s evolution—from straight-axle gassers to modern Top Fuel titans.

Spotlight on Issue 196: Beech Bend Brilliance

The latest chapter in Bain’s storied career unfolds in Drag Illustrated‘s Issue 196 (September/October 2025), where he delivers a masterclass in immersive storytelling. Turning his focus to the Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bain pens “Kentucky Fried Pistons,” a feature celebrating Tyler Hilton’s fourth straight Top Fuel title. Bourbon-soaked nights and bluegrass vibes set the scene as Hilton dominates the finals with a prophetic 5.81-second solo run, but it’s Bain’s prose that makes you feel the heat off the headers.

And the visuals? Pure fire. Bain’s photographs pepper the spread, from the Straight Axle Mafia’s raw, rail-dragging fury on page 13 to the high-stakes drama of Hilton’s bye-run on page 48. One standout: a gritty shot of the Mafia crew mid-race, chassis twisting under g-forces, evoking the sport’s rebellious underbelly. Another captures Hilton’s Nostalgia Dragster in full fury, flames licking the sky—a frame that screams legacy. These aren’t just photos; they’re the heartbeat of Beech Bend’s June 14 showdown, submitted with the precision that’s made Bain a go-to for Drag Illustrated‘s visual punch.

This issue alone showcases Bain’s range: writer, shooter, historian. He’s not just reporting the win—he’s weaving it into the tapestry of nostalgia racing’s enduring appeal.

Beyond the Track: A Nitro Slamdance Visionary

Bain’s influence extends far beyond print. As the force behind Nitro Slamdance, his multimedia empire—blending videos, prints, and live events—has amassed a cult following among nitro junkies. Recent drops, like the print edition recap of the 2025 Boise event, keep fans slamming with exclusive shots and unfiltered vibes. It’s this relentless drive that cements his status: not a bystander, but a kingmaker in drag’s creative court.

As drag racing hurtles toward its next evolution, Rick Bain stands ready, camera in hand, words at the ready. From his dad’s shadow to the spotlight of Issue 196, his accomplishments aren’t measured in elapsed times—they’re etched in the indelible images and stories that keep the sport’s flame roaring. Here’s to the man who sees the kings before they wear the crown.

Follow Rick Bain’s work at Drag Illustrated and Nitro Slamdance. For more on the legends of the strips, stay tuned to Kings of the Sport.