The Mid-West Drag Racing Series will move forward without its Funny Car category after series founder Keith Haney announced the class has been removed from the schedule, ending a run that began with the class debut in July 2020.
Haney said the decision came after years of financial support from Jim and Annie Whiteley and difficulties in securing the level of racer participation and backing originally expected. The move closes a chapter that had become a notable part of the series during the last five and a half seasons.
The announcement marks a shift in direction for MWDRS, but Haney made clear the Whiteleys remain committed to the organization and its future. Their role within the series will continue through the Pro Mod category and broader sponsorship involvement.
“Mid-West Drag Racing Series and I, Keith Haney, want to take a moment to sincerely thank Jim and Annie Whiteley for the past 5 1/2 years of support they have given to the J&A Service Funny Car Class,” Haney said.
Haney said the Whiteleys invested heavily in trying to establish a stable and attractive platform for Funny Car competitors. He said those efforts included substantial purse support and long-term financial backing intended to make the class a destination for racers.
“These two have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into trying to create a great place to race and provide a strong purse for the racers,” Haney said.
The reality, Haney said, was that expected support from within the category never reached the level needed to sustain it. As costs and participation demands continued to evolve, the economics became difficult to justify.
“I can honestly say that Jim, Annie, and the Mid-West Drag Racing Series gave it everything we had,” Haney said. “Unfortunately, many who said they would support the class simply did not, and because of that, as of today, Funny Car will no longer be part of the Mid-West Drag Racing Series. That is something that truly saddens me.”
The loss of a class can often raise questions about the health of a series, but Haney presented the move as a redirection rather than a retreat. MWDRS officials are now placing greater emphasis on categories they believe can continue expanding participation.
Haney said Jim and Annie Whiteley remain “100% still behind MWDRS” and will continue supporting the series through the Pro Mod division and as presenting sponsors of the organization.
The series has also received additional financial support aimed at strengthening its marquee category. Haney said Jim and Annie Whiteley, Robin and Melody Roberts, Robert Costa and Haney himself have contributed additional funding to increase Pro Mod payouts during the series’ 10th season.
MWDRS is also examining possible future additions to its structure. Haney said discussions are underway involving expanded support for Top Sportsman and Top Dragster competitors, along with possible additions including a 6.0 category, Super Pro, and an NT 28 10.5 class.
Those additions, Haney said, are designed to create more opportunities and increase participation across the series footprint. The focus now shifts toward strengthening the foundation for the years ahead.
“Personally, I want to give Jim and Annie Whiteley the recognition they deserve for everything they have done for this sport,” Haney said. “They give so much to so many people, and their generosity never goes unnoticed.”
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