At 8 p.m. EST on Sept. 15, CompetitionPlus.com marked the start of its 26th year as one of drag racing’s most recognized and enduring voices. Founded in 1999 by Bobby Bennett, the independent online publication has chronicled the triumphs, tragedies, controversies, and culture of the sport with a commitment to storytelling rooted in journalistic tradition.
What began as a vision from a Spartanburg, S.C., native who borrowed $1,500 to launch a print magazine in the late 1980s became one of the first digital outlets dedicated exclusively to drag racing. In 1999, at a time when much of motorsports media had not yet embraced the internet, Bennett turned CompetitionPlus into a daily news site. The move cemented the publication as a pioneer in motorsports journalism.
Over the years, CompetitionPlus.com has built its reputation by reporting breaking news, delivering in-depth features, and providing live event coverage that often rivaled the resources of much larger outlets. Its signature style — factual, blunt, and unafraid to tackle the sport’s most difficult subjects — has set it apart.
Among its lasting contributions is CompetitionPlusTV, the digital broadcast arm that has given fans access to historical videos, race coverage, and original programming. The platform has preserved drag racing’s heritage while introducing a new generation of fans to the sport’s legends.
The publication has also made its mark with Legends: The Series, a documentary-style project that has profiled drivers, tuners, and industry leaders whose stories might otherwise have faded with time. These interviews have captured both the glory and the grind of life in drag racing, ensuring the sport’s history is not forgotten.
CompetitionPlus has been a consistent watchdog, publishing commentary on sanctioning bodies, sponsorship dynamics, and safety concerns. At times, those commentaries have sparked debate within the NHRA and IHRA, but they also underscored the site’s willingness to speak truth to power in the name of accountability.
The site has given sportsman racers, often overshadowed by the professional ranks, a platform to share their stories and successes. From detailed notebook-style reporting on drag racing to spotlights on grassroots events, the coverage has emphasized drag racing’s depth beyond the nitro headliners.
Over a quarter century, Bennett has built a team of respected contributors — journalists, photographers, videographers, and historians — who share his passion for drag racing. The late Roger Richards, CompetitionPlus’ longtime lead photographer, was one of those cornerstones. His images helped shape the site’s identity, and his absence continues to be felt as the magazine enters its 26th year.
The site has survived economic downturns, industry changes, and the shift to social media-driven news cycles. While other publications have folded or scaled back, CompetitionPlus has remained active, consistent, and independent.
“Drag racing is our heartbeat, and it’s been a privilege to tell its stories for 26 years,” Bennett said. “We’ve had the support of loyal fans, racers, teams, and sponsors who believe in what we do. That’s what’s kept us going.”
As it enters its 26th year, CompetitionPlus continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. With expanded digital coverage, streaming features, and a constant flow of stories from the drag strip to the shop floor, the site remains a vital hub for the sport’s news and history.
For drag racing, CompetitionPlus.com has become more than a news outlet. It is an archive, a stage, and a mirror — reflecting the grit, speed, and humanity of the sport it has championed since 1999.
