PDRA officials announced the launch of the Power Purse program, designed to enhance partnerships with new and existing marketing affiliates. The initiative will double the winner’s purse for a race chosen by a marketing partner.
“Coming off a highly competitive 2024 season, we felt like we needed to do more,” said series director Tyler Crossnoe. “Chasing a large money payout is intriguing and can drive the best in the world to push even harder than before.”
The Power Purse program aims to create specialty events for each class throughout the season, ensuring every class is highlighted at least once.
“Every class within the PDRA roster has stars from Pro Nitrous and Pro Boost to Jr. Dragsters,” said Tommy Franklin, owner and three-time Pro Nitrous world champion. “This program can create a big-money feel at a series event once or twice a year, if the partnerships come together.”
The initiative also offers opportunities for marketing partners to invest directly in the racers using their products and services.
“With the introduction of Power Purse, PDRA opens the door to partners looking to spend between $1,000 and $10,000,” said marketing director Will Smith. “Their money goes directly to a particular event’s winner, creating memorable moments for both the company and the winning racer.”
Power Purse seeks to elevate the payouts for Pro Nitrous and Pro Boost, which typically chase a $10,000 winner’s purse within a total $25,000 prize pool. This program could increase payouts to over $70,000 if both categories secure sponsors.
“The goal for each race is to highlight one Professional and one Sportsman category,” Crossnoe stated. “Everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight.”
The season will kick off with a significant $20,000 payout for Pro Nitrous at the PDRA East Coast Nationals, set for April 2-5 at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina.
“We love to put nitrous against nitrous on a level playing field,” said Pat Musi, of Pat Musi Racing Engines. “It will be exciting to watch everyone battle to qualify and compete for $20,000 to kick-start the 2025 season.”
Additionally, Glenn Butcher, reigning Elite Top Sportsman world champion, has committed to a $10,000 payout for the Elite Top Sportsman category during the Memorial Day weekend race at his home track in Norwalk, Ohio.
“I liked the Power Purse idea of doubling the purse because there’s something about that $10,000 number that drew me in,” Butcher said.
Talbert Manufacturing has also joined the program, backing the Pro 632 category during the PDRA Northern Nationals in early August, with the class winner set to take home $8,000.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to highlight a great class at a great event in Martin, Michigan,” said Andy Tanner of Talbert Manufacturing. “This group has a dedication and love for the PDRA series and for the class as a whole.”
