Scott Palmer, widely known as drag racing’s “People’s Champion,” captured his second consecutive major victory Sunday by winning the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Nationals at Darana Raceway. Palmer qualified No. 1 and defeated Krista Baldwin in a close final round to seal the win.
Palmer’s path to the final included wins over Chuck Loftin and Doug Foley before meeting Baldwin, a racer he called “one of the most genuine people on the face of the earth” and “a win waiting to happen.” Despite his admiration for Baldwin, Palmer said the competitive spirit prevailed.
“I hated to win, but I also wanted us to win,” Palmer said after the race. “Krista is my favorite driver, so it’s mixed emotions, but I’m damn sure happy to be here for sure.”
Palmer, who rolled his car behind Funny Car Mike McIntire into the winner’s circle, called it “the best feeling in the world.” The win solidified his standing in the IHRA series and underscored his return to form after a two-month break.
Baldwin kept the race close through the first half of the track, Palmer said, and he wasn’t sure he had the lead until the latter stages of the run.
“She was so close that I could tell she was over there until about half track,” Palmer said. “I honestly thought she was still there, and I have not driven good this weekend at all. But I did okay on that run, and luckily this thing did its job.”
Palmer was blunt about the pressure he faced in the final round.
“None for me, none,” he said.
The weekend was the team’s first competitive outing in months, which Palmer admitted contributed to early struggles. “We’ve been like beginners all weekend,” he said. “I’m glad there’s another race coming quickly so we can keep the momentum going. We’ve got the best crew in the world, but when you take off two months, it’s like taking the winter off again.”
Palmer confirmed he plans to compete at the next IHRA stop in Milan, Michigan. “Oh, yeah, we’ll be back in Milan,” he said.
For Palmer, the IHRA’s Ironman trophy, awarded to the winner, carried added significance this time. He previously earned one while running at an IHRA race in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but said this victory measured up much larger. “I’ve actually held one before, but I didn’t really earn it,” Palmer said. “This one, I feel like we earned it.”
When asked how he planned to celebrate, Palmer smiled and mentioned a few familiar traditions. “A lot of Coors Light, probably a couple shots of Wild Turkey — that’s for Evel Knievel — and I’m going to call everybody who’s helped me,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of calling to do.”
The win cements Palmer’s status as a fan favorite in the series, and his post-race comments reflected the mix of competitive drive and humility that has endeared him to fans and fellow racers alike.
“This one means more,” he said, holding the Ironman high. “We really earned it this time.”
