If only Mother Nature isn’t as angry as she was last time.
The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series returns to action this weekend after an unexpected layoff, with championship contenders carrying added urgency into the Hoosier Tire North vs. South Shootout at Maryland International Raceway.
The fourth stop on the seven-race schedule marks the halfway point of the 2026 season. With the previous event washed out before racing could begin, teams arrive in Budds Creek eager to resume title battles that have been idle for more than two months.
The extended break has left little margin for error as points leaders attempt to strengthen their positions while challengers look to erase early deficits before the stretch run begins.
“It’s been just over two months since we crowned event winners at the East Coast Nationals, so everyone is excited to pick things up again at Maryland,” PDRA Series Director Tyler Crossnoe said. “This is only the halfway point in the season, but we’re already starting to look at championship battles. Some clear favorites have stood out at the first two races, but that can all change this weekend.”
Crossnoe believes Maryland International Raceway has a history of reshuffling the standings.
“Every year when we return to Maryland, we see some shakeups across the board from our pro classes to the Jr. Dragster ranks,” Crossnoe said. “Saturday eliminations will feature can’t-miss racing from start to finish as drivers fight for valuable points and a 660 Man trophy.”
Three-time world champion Tommy Franklin enters the weekend atop the Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous standings after opening the season with a No. 1 qualifier and following it with a victory at the East Coast Nationals in his Musi-powered “Jungle Rat 3.0” Camaro.
Mike Achenbach sits second after winning the season opener in his return to Pro Nitrous competition, while defending world champion Marcus Butner holds third after recording a semifinal finish and a No. 1 qualifying performance through the opening rounds.
Johnny Camp has been the class of the WS Construction Pro Boost division during the opening races.
Camp established a new elapsed-time record while winning the season opener in his ProCharger-powered “Hells Bells” Camaro before adding a semifinal finish to maintain the points lead. Two-time world champion Jason Harris is second after his Benson victory, with Melanie Salemi close behind following a No. 1 qualifying effort and runner-up finish.
Liberty’s Gears Pro Street has featured another familiar face at the top of the standings.
Blake Denton carries the points lead after combining a semifinal finish at the opener with a victory at Benson in the nitrous-fed “Bonnie” Camaro once driven by the late Lizzy Musi. Jerry Morgano and Ron Green round out the top three entering Maryland.
J.C. Beattie Jr. has enjoyed one of the strongest starts in any professional category.
The Maryland native has won both Pro 632 races this season, qualifying first or second at each event. Jeff Pittman sits second after earning his first career No. 1 qualifier, while rookie David Cook Jr. has quickly established himself as a contender with a runner-up finish at Benson.
Defending Super Street world champion Connor McGee has once again positioned himself as the driver to beat.
McGee won the opener before adding a No. 1 qualifier and runner-up finish at the most recent completed event. Austin Vincent remains within striking distance after his Benson victory, while former world champion Dan Whetstine occupies third.
The sportsman divisions also arrive with tight championship races beginning to take shape.
Scott Duggins leads Elite Top Sportsman, Josh Duggins tops Elite Top Dragster, Joe Roubicek holds the MagnaFuel Top Sportsman lead, and Steven Boone sits first in Top Dragster. Maryland will also host the Edelbrock Bracket Bash, bringing many of the region’s top bracket racers into the weekend’s competition.
The PDRA’s youngest competitors return with championships of their own on the line.
Katelyn Page leads the Pro Jr. Dragster standings, while Carter Hayes enters the weekend atop the Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster points race.
Stay tuned to CompetitionPlus.com for all the stories and photos from the event.
