Red Line Oil has been named the presenting sponsor of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, solidifying a partnership that race officials say reflects long-term commitment to Pro Modified racing and the Drag Illustrated Winter Series.
Set for Feb. 26–28 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the $150,000-to-win Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Red Line Oil will serve as the finale of the 2025–26 Drag Illustrated Winter Series, following the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals and the U.S. Street Nationals.
Series founder and promoter Wes Buck said the move represents more than a naming-rights agreement as the event continues to establish itself as a winter anchor for the Pro Modified category.
“Red Line Oil has proven time and time again that they’re deeply invested in Pro Modified racing, and we’re excited to elevate that partnership with Red Line stepping in as the presenting sponsor of the World Series of Pro Mod,” said Buck. “We’re intentional about aligning with partners who share our vision for where this series and the sport are headed, and Red Line absolutely fits that mold. Their commitment goes far beyond branding. They support racers at every level, and their products are trusted by the top engine builders and teams in drag racing worldwide.”
Red Line Oil, a global producer of high-performance motor oil and lubricants, has supported the World Series of Pro Mod since the event moved to Bradenton in 2023 and has maintained a visible presence across the Winter Series.
The company’s involvement with the event predates its Florida tenure, with Brand Director Mark Beatty connected to the World Series of Pro Mod since its original Denver-based edition in 2017.
“This partnership is extremely significant for me and the entire team at Red Line Oil,” Beatty said. “The World Series of Pro Mod is such a phenomenal way to propel drivers’ careers. Take Spencer Hyde, one of our Team Red Line Oil drivers, for example. He won it in 2023 and he turned that into an opportunity to become a full-time NHRA Funny Car driver last season, ultimately winning Rookie of the Year honors. Winning this race opens up a new chapter in life for these racers, and to be a part of that and their future and their legacy is an honor.”
Beyond its headline Pro Modified field, the World Series of Pro Mod has grown into a multi-class showcase that regularly attracts some of the sport’s most competitive teams and personalities.
Team Red Line Oil drivers are expected to be prominent throughout the weekend, including original World Series winner Mike Bowman, reigning 2025 PDRA Pro Boost world champion Ty Tutterow, and racer-promoter Jimmy Dale in the Lil Gangstas category.
“Team Red Line Oil will be well-represented at this race,” Beatty said. “We’re passionate about working with racers who fly our flag, believe in our product, and want to be a part of our team. Getting involved with events like the World Series of Pro Mod is another way for us to support our Team Red Line Oil drivers and drag racers in general.”
That racer-focused philosophy is also shaping new competition opportunities at this year’s event, as organizers continue to refine the Winter Series format.
Drag Illustrated announced the addition of a $25,000 Winter Series Wild Card Shootout, expanding race-day participation for teams that narrowly miss the main Pro Modified field.
The Wild Card Shootout will feature qualifiers 33 through 64 and will be contested over five full rounds of eliminations on race day at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
The program will pay $15,000 to the winner, $5,000 to the runner-up, and $2,500 to each semifinalist, creating a total payout of $25,000 and replacing the Chicago-style shootout format previously used at the event.
“With the level of competition we’re seeing right now, the margins are razor thin,” Buck said. “We routinely have 70-plus cars on property, and the difference between being No. 28 and No. 38 is often a few thousandths of a second. Our goal has always been to involve as many quality race teams as possible on race day, and the Wild Card Shootout is a direct reflection of that.”
Buck said the addition is designed to add substance to race day rather than simply increasing the number of runs.
“This gives us another true race within the race,” Buck said. “Five rounds, real money on the line, and a field stacked with cars that are absolutely capable of winning on any given run. I think it’s going to add a ton of intensity and excitement to race day at the World Series of Pro Mod.”
Organizers expect the Wild Card Shootout to become a permanent fixture beginning with the 2026–27 Winter Series season, reinforcing the series’ emphasis on inclusivity and competitive depth.
Bradenton Motorsports Park owner Vic Alvarez said the program reflects the series’ continued evolution as a destination event for teams and fans alike.
“The Winter Series has become something special because it’s racer-focused and constantly evolving,” Alvarez said. “Adding the Wild Card Shootout is another example of Drag Illustrated and Bradenton Motorsports Park finding ways to create more opportunity, more value, and more excitement for the teams that support this series. That’s how you keep something growing and moving forward.”
As the Winter Series approaches the conclusion of its second full season, Buck said the combined additions of Red Line Oil’s presenting sponsorship and the Wild Card Shootout reflect a broader philosophy guiding the event’s future.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far this series has come and what it’s evolved into – without question, the most competitive space in drag racing today,” Buck said. “But we’re not satisfied. Our commitment is to our racers and our fans, and we’re going to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep raising the bar every chance we get.”
