Elite Motorsports and Drag Illustrated [DI] recently a $1 million bonus for any Pro Modified driver who wins all three events in the 2025-26 Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The payout is billed as the largest single-performance prize in drag racing history.
The bonus will be awarded to any driver sweeping the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals (Dec. 5–7, 2025), U.S. Street Nationals (Jan. 23–25, 2026) and the World Series of Pro Mod (Feb. 26–28, 2026). The Florida-based series draws international competitors and thousands of fans each winter.
“Drag racing has given me everything, and I believe in giving back,” team owner Richard Freeman said. “This is the kind of moment our sport needs — something big, bold, and damn near unbelievable. If putting up a million bucks helps one racer change their life, if it pushes a team to take their program to the next level, then it’s worth every penny.”
“This isn’t for the faint of heart,” Freeman added. “You’re going to have to beat the best, on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights. But somebody out there is going to do it — and I can’t wait to shake their hand when they do.”
Wes Buck, creator of the Winter Series, said the prize signals a turning point for the sport. “For too long, drag racers — legends and champions — have had to downplay their winnings when talking to peers in other forms of motorsports. That ends now,” Buck said.
“Drag racing deserves big numbers, and a million-dollar prize does more than get attention — it gets results,” Buck said. “It motivates teams. It inspires dreams. And it tells the world we mean business.”
“This isn’t the last move we’ll make,” Buck said. “But it might be the most important one yet.”
