If you’re going to win a championship, it only makes sense to do it when it’s a prestigious season. Ten years ago, Tommy Franklin was one of a group of investors who invested to get the Professional Drag Racers Association [PDRA] off the ground. 

In the end, Franklin had to pull off the driving effort of a lifetime to put it together against a murderer’s row of competition, including defending Pro Nitrous champion Jim Halsey. 

This third championship had extra meaning as it was the first title since the passing of his father, Roger “Rodie” Franklin, last year. 
 
“I can’t say I didn’t try just as hard any other year, but I dedicate this win to my dad,” Franklin said. “He was my biggest fan. To be able to do it after losing him that meant a lot to me. I had some extra drive in me to push it, and I felt like I probably drove the best I’ve driven in my career, honestly. And there’s a lot of better drivers out there. But I did my part when I needed to. I was happy, but I think I had some help with that.”

Franklin began his season as a runner-up to Halsey at the Summit Racing Equipment East Coast Nationals. However, Franklin quickly bounced back, clinching his first victory of the season against Marcus Butner at the DeCerbo Construction American Doorslammer Challenge.

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Building on his momentum, Franklin embarked on a three-race winning streak. He defeated Halsey in the final round at the Northern Nationals, followed by victories over Jay Cox at the Red Line Oil Carolina Nationals and ProFabrication DragWars. These wins propelled Franklin to the top of the points standings with just one race remaining in the season.

Heading into the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals, Franklin secured the title when Halsey was eliminated in the first round. Although Franklin aimed for the class E.T. record in the final, he had to lift due to a mishap, resulting in a runner-up finish. Despite this, Franklin expressed his joy at winning the championship and praised the tough competition in the Pro Nitrous class.

Franklin expressed gratitude to the team’s sponsors and partners.

“This car is just awesome right now,” Franklin said. “At the end of the day, my crew is who does this. I’m just the guy that sits behind the wheel. Hat’s off to them. Jeff Pierce has been on board with us and just does an excellent job. Chris, Todd, Chase, my family, ‘Big Brown,’ Blake, Amber, Wesley – everybody. Thank you to everyone that supports the PDRA – media, our staff, our crew, and every person that helps out on this car. It’s a great group effort for everyone out here. I’m thankful for what we get to do and to be competitive doing it.”