Smokies Garage, a private hobby garage that specializes in custom race cars, hot rods, and motorcycles, has become a key sponsor of the inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series, race officials announced. The Canadian drag racing team will compete in the three-race Pro Modified series, which includes the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, U.S. Street Nationals, and the World Series of Pro Mod at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

“Mike Clark and his group at Smokies Garage believe in what we’re trying to do with the DI Winter Series,” said Wes Buck, DI founder and Winter Series promoter. “We believe the drivers and teams that compete in Pro Mod deserve a big stage, big fanfare, and big-money prizes.”

Founded by Mike Clark, Smokies Garage produces custom hot rods and motorcycles. The operation has expanded over the years to support various race teams in drag racing and land speed racing, including a screw-blown ’67 Mustang Pro Mod driven by Canadian veteran Scott Wildgust.

“The biggest thing is there's points and it's a series. It's not one race,” Clark said. “I like the invite-only format. Once you get that invite, you can start making plans for the winter.”

Clark, who is involved in both NHRA Pro Mod and PDRA Pro Boost, has noticed a growing interest in the DI Winter Series among other team owners and racers.

“I think you're going to get a lot of teams that are building cars specifically to run this series,” Clark said. “If you're a racer, you want to go racing.”

The DI Winter Series will start from Dec. 6-8, 2024, with the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, followed by the U.S. Street Nationals on Jan. 24-26, 2025, and the World Series of Pro Mod from Feb. 27 to March 1, 2025. Each race will offer increasing prizes for winners, culminating in an overall series champion.

“The championship aspect gives the fans something to hang on to,” Clark said. “Fans are going to want to follow all three races to see not just who wins each race, but who wins the championship as well.”