Ryan Oehler is expanding his Pro Stock Motorcycle program to two bikes for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, adding rookie standout Brayden Davis in a move aimed at strengthening both riders’ championship prospects.
The veteran known as “Flyin’ Ryan” will field his own entry alongside Davis on a Flyin’ Ryan Racing/B&K Cylinder Heads Buell, forming a two-rider operation ahead of the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Davis, a third-generation motorcycle drag racer, entered the offseason without a confirmed ride after an impressive rookie campaign. Oehler saw the opportunity and moved quickly.
“Ryan saw potential in me and knew I did not have a ride lined up for this season and was willing to help me get back out there,” said Davis. “I am thankful for the opportunity and the belief they have shown in me.”
The pairing was tested recently at Gainesville Raceway, where Davis made his first passes aboard a large cubic-inch V-Twin Buell.
“We tested this past weekend at Gainesville Raceway, and it was my first time ever riding a Buell,” said Davis. “I can honestly say it was some of the most fun I have had in a long time. The torque these bikes make is unreal, and every shift wants to carry the front tire. It definitely got my attention in a good way.”
“The bike was lifting the front wheel and spinning downtrack,” agreed Oehler. “He was fighting it, and it was fighting him.” Fighting all the way to a stout 6.81 at 198.93 on Davis’ first full pass.
“We ran some really strong numbers and mile per hour for a first outing, testing with Ryan and his team,” continued Davis. “That gives us a lot of confidence heading into the opener, and I could not be more excited about where we are as the season kicks off.”
Oehler was marginally quicker during the test, opening with a 6.78 at 199 mph using the same combination he ended last season with. That baseline allowed the team to validate gains from a new engine program developed over the winter.
“Bad Brad [Oehler’s father, Brad] works seven days a week, 12 hours a day making horsepower,” said Oehler. “We picked up big power on the dyno with our new motor. A ton of torque and a ton of horsepower. The highest accelerating motor we’ve ever had.”
With weather threatening the second day of testing, Oehler installed the new engine late on day one and responded with a 6.75 at 200.8 mph.
“The point was to validate the gains we’ve seen on the engine dyno.” Point made.
Oehler believes Davis will quickly extract even more performance as he gains seat time.
“He’s a prodigy,” noted Oehler. “First time I’ve had a teammate that’s probably a higher caliber rider than I am. We want to see him win as badly as I want to win. In theory, he should be quicker than I am by several hundredths.”
Oehler broke through for his first Pro Stock Motorcycle victory in 2020 at Indianapolis and added another in 2021 at the Denso 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. Since then, he acknowledged that the team endured inconsistent results while transitioning to its Gen2 motor program.
“Our team has stuck together through four years of struggles since we switched to the Gen2 motor program, looking for more durability,” said Oehler. “We’ve managed to keep El Bandido Yankee Tequila on board through all of this.
“We’ve cracked some eggs and now we should be a major threat. The development continues; this just affirms the direction we’ve taken. And S&S is helping us with parts and development. They have deep resources there in Viola.”
Adding Davis brings not only riding talent but additional data and feedback.
“Brayden and his dad remind me of the relationship I have with my dad. I really want Travis to be a part of this,” said Oehler. “I want to see what we can all do together. I love Harleys, and to race them is unique and something I want to share.”
Funding will ultimately determine how many events the two-bike team can contest in 2026.
“Right now, we are looking for marketing partners to help us run the full 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season,” said Davis. “As of today, Powertrain Inc. has stepped up for Gainesville, Charlotte, and Adel [South Georgia Motorsports Park]. I’m super blessed and grateful to have them back onboard and will hopefully get them a win that they very much deserve within these three races. We are working hard to put the full program together and make the most of this opportunity. I want to thank them and Ryan Oehler Racing, Mike Mullaney, and Brad Mccoy with Mccoy Motorsports for all their help with this transition.”
Oehler described his operation as one of the class’s true privateer efforts.
“We are probably the most underfunded team in the class,” said Oehler.
He closed by acknowledging the partners and family support that keep the program intact.
“Huge shout out to Scott Hamilton, Brad Mccoy, Mike Mullaney, Bill Anderson, Brayden Davis, Donny Philpott, and Jay Regan,” said Oehler. “There are so many great people who support this team, and I can’t thank them enough. El Bandido Yankee Tequila, Burromax, Worldwide Bearings, High Performance Lubricants, Limelite Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, CP-Carrillo, S&S Cycle, Fast Lane Classic Cars, Silver Star Painting, MRE, Manley performance, Jesel Valve Train, Nut Scentz, AirTec, Redline Motorsports, McCoy Motorsports, Mullaney Cycle Works, Bates Leathers, Liberty’s Gears, Morris Packaging, Powertrain Inc, Fire Suppression Solutions, Wanna Parlay, The Detail Specialist, High Performance Marketing, Johnstone Supply, Capitol Group, Martin One Source, Mission Foods, and NHRA. They have made all this possible, and I am very fortunate to have their support.
“And last, but not least, my beautiful wife, Laura. Thank you for being the heart of our family. I’m beyond blessed to have you by my side.”
