Dating back to the early 1980s, when IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock raced down the Norwalk Raceway Park dragstrip, doorslammers have been an integral part of the track outside Cleveland, Ohio’s DNA. Then came Pro Modified, which took this genre of drag racing to another level. 

The next level will be on display at the Norwalk facility as the third event of the 2024 Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series this weekend. 

The Smokies Garage American Doorslammer Challenge presented by Callies Performance will bring together racers from various categories across the East Coast and Midwest. The event runs from May 23 through May 25, encompassing Memorial Day Weekend.

“Summit Motorsports Park is an incredible place to have a drag race,” said Tyler Crossnoe, series director, PDRA. “Bill Bader Jr. and his whole team are some of the best in the business, and they provide our racers with a world-class experience. Fans also love Norwalk. This is an area that has grown to love Pro Modified racing over the last couple decades. The fans are in for a show this weekend. Along with our touring regulars, we’re looking forward to seeing many of our part-time racers who join us when we’re in this part of the country.”

In the Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous category, Jim Halsey enters Norwalk as the points leader after securing his first win of the season at the Mid-Atlantic Showdown in Virginia. Halsey’s victory in his Fulton-powered “Daddy Shark” ’68 Camaro saw him triumph over Tommy Franklin in the final round. Franklin, the defending event winner and world champion, is currently second in points with his Musi-powered “Jungle Rat” ’69 Camaro.

Spencer Hyde, a local favorite, leads the WS Construction Pro Boost standings presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive. Hyde claimed his first Pro Boost victory in Virginia with his Stratford, Ontario-based ’69 Camaro. The World Series of Pro Mod champion Derek Ward trails close behind after making two semifinal appearances and setting the national E.T. record.

​

In the Liberty’s Gears Extreme Pro Stock, Johnny Pluchino stands out with back-to-back wins driving his Kaase-powered Feather-Lite Batteries ’13 Mustang. Former champions Steven Boone and Chris Powers are also in contention. Boone’s runner-up finish at the season opener and Powers’ various round wins keep them both competitive.

Michigan racer Doug Nicholl leads the Pro 632 class after reaching his first PDRA final at Norwalk last season. Nicholl’s victory at Virginia puts him ahead of Amber Franklin, the 2022 world champion in her Musi-powered ’69 Camaro. Newcomer Andy House, victorious at the season opener, ranks third in points.

Tim Essick, the Menscer Motorsports Pro Street world champion, remains dominant in his ProCharged “Brown Sugar” ’18 Mustang. Defending event champion Scott Kincaid, with a five-race win streak recently broken in Virginia, follows closely in the standings. Former Top Dragster racer Dan Norris, with his roots-blown ’22 Mustang, holds third place thanks to consistent semifinal finishes.

In the Afco Racing Super Street category presented by Menscer Motorsports, reigning champion Blake Denton and runner-up Derek Mota are in a tight points race. Denton’s performance includes a win at the season opener and a runner-up finish in Virginia. At the same time, Mota claimed victory in Virginia along with setting a new national E.T. record. Matt Schalow stands third, highlighted by a runner-up finish and semifinal placement with his nitrous-fed ’00 Camaro.

Anticipated entries in sportsman classes come from Midwest racers and regular PDRA competitors. These categories include MagnaFuel Elite Top Sportsman, Laris Motorsports Insurance Elite Top Dragster, MagnaFuel Top Sportsman, and Laris Motorsports Insurance Top Dragster. The Edelbrock Bracket Bash presented by COMP Cams will provide local brackets an opportunity on the national stage.

The Drag 965 Pro Extreme Motorcycle category had a weekend off at the last race and will rejoin the tour for their second race of the season at Norwalk. Ohio’s own Eric McKinney, a multi-time world champion, won the season opener aboard his McKinney Motorsports Hayabusa. He rolls into Norwalk as the points leader ahead of two-time and reigning world champion Chris Garner-Jones and returning rider/tuner Brad McCoy. 

Junior participants are expected to be numerous in the Coolshirt Systems Pro Jr. Dragster and Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster classes, typically drawing young racers from Ohio and neighboring states.

The event kicks off with Thursday testing sessions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by sportsman qualifying at 6:30 p.m. Friday’s schedule begins at 9 a.m. with Jr. Dragster and sportsman sessions, and professional qualifying at noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Saturday starts with Jr. Dragster final qualifying at 9 a.m., continuing with sportsman and Jr. Dragster eliminations. Professional eliminations will follow the pre-race ceremonies set to start at 2 p.m.
The return of the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series to Norwalk promises a competitive and action-packed weekend. The gathering of top drag racers and enthusiastic fans at Summit Motorsports Park continues the tradition of high-caliber racing and regional support for the sport.