Marcus Birt will take the wheel of the Black Mamba Pro Mod at the Throwdown in T-Town, scheduled for May 9-10 at Osage Casino & Hotel Tulsa Raceway Park. Keith Haney, the founder and two-time Pro Mod champion of the MWDRS and owner of the car, is stepping aside to attend his daughter’s graduation.
“I want to be there to support her — she’s done such a great job,” Haney said. “But don’t think for a second we’re backing down from competition. Marcus is a badass driver, and I know he’ll drive the wheels off the Black Mamba.”
Birt, a seasoned Pro Mod competitor, returns to nitrous-powered racing with high expectations. He has previously driven a nitrous Corvette known as John Gotti and has clocked a personal best of 3.55 seconds at 208 mph on a radial tire.
“It’s going to be cool driving the Black Mamba,” Birt said. “I haven’t been in a nitrous Pro Mod in a few years, and I’m ready to get back in. We’re going to be ready — I’m looking forward to driving in front of the Tulsa crowd.”
This decision is strategic; points in the MWDRS belong to the team, not the driver. With Haney aiming for his third Pro Mod title, having a proven winner like Birt is crucial for the championship chase.
Haney’s tuner, Brandon Switzer, is selective about who drives the Black Mamba, and he has full confidence in Birt’s skills.
“Brandon doesn’t let just anyone drive this car,” Haney said. “He respects Marcus and believes in what he brings to the table.”
Haney and Birt have previously raced against each other, notably at the World Series of Pro Mod in Florida. Now, Birt aims to maintain the championship momentum as he takes over Haney’s flagship machine.
