The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series kicks off its 11th season with the East Coast Nationals at GALOT Motorsports Park from April 2-5. Participants will compete for nearly $200,000 in championship prizes across professional, sportsman, and Junior Dragster categories.
Series director Tyler Crossnoe announced increased championship payouts, with an additional $100,000 this season. “The racers in our headlining divisions will get to compete for a $25,000 championship bonus this season,” he said.
The East Coast Nationals winner will now receive a $20,000 prize through the PDRA’s new Power Purse program, sponsored by Pat Musi Racing Engines. Musi stated, “It will be exciting to watch everyone battle to qualify and then compete with $20,000 on the line.”
The Pro Boost division will feature a competitive field as drivers chase the $10,000 prize. Two-time reigning world champion Jason Harris aims for a third consecutive title against competitors like WSOPM champion Steve King and runner-up Kurt Steding.
Reigning Pro Street champion Ethan Steding will defend his title against challengers including class E.T. record holder Brian Weddle and two-time champion Tim Essick. “I’m ready to defend my title,” said Steding.
The AED Competition Fuel Systems Extreme Pro Stock class boasts naturally aspirated machines capable of low 4-second passes. Two-time champion Chris Powers leads the entry list for the season opener, which will be sponsored by Jon Kaase Racing Engines.
In the PTC Converters Pro 632 class, two-time champion Amber Denton will debut in Pro Nitrous. Contenders include Lexi Tanner, Andy House, Doug Nicholl, and Jason Ventura.
Dan Whetstine will defend his Super Street title against Derek Mota and Connor McGee in an expanding field of racers. “Super Street is quickly expanding in terms of both racers and fans,” Whetstine noted.
The Drag 965 Pro Extreme Motorcycle class will feature reigniting champions including Brunson Grothus, Chris Garner-Jones, and Eric McKinney.
The East Coast Nationals will also feature sportsman racing with several divisions, including the MagnaFuel Elite Top Sportsman and Laris Motorsports Insurance Elite Top Dragster. Local bracket racers will participate through the Edelbrock Bracket Bash.
Jr. Dragster classes will compete for victories in PDRA Pro Jr. Dragster and Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster.
Participants can test on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, with qualifying starting on Thursday. Pro qualifying will commence Friday, starting with Pro Nitrous at 4:45 p.m., while sportsman eliminations will follow Saturday after a final Jr. Dragster session at 9 a.m.
