Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

16-Race Schedule Expected for NHRA Pro Stock in 2019

Sources close to the situation confirmed today that NHRA intends to proceed with a reduced schedule for their Pro Stock eliminator in 2019.

Following a Professional Racers Organization meeting with NHRA during the recently completed NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, series officials presented a plan to continue to run Pro Stock at all 24 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events in 2019, but with a further reduced purse. Both during the meeting and since its conclusion, however, Pro Stock racers and team owners have enthusiastically suggested that the purse be left alone and the eliminator simply contested at fewer races. As of this writing, NHRA plans to contest Pro Stock at a minimum of 16 races in 2019 with purses remaining the same ($105,000+ per race). 

The 16-race schedule is expected to drive increased participation – largely by reducing the financial burden and time commitment of the full 24-race NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. If participation skews the other direction, NHRA will take steps toward an 8-car field with a reduction in payout. 

Following the distribution of a letter from NHRA Vice President, Racing Administration Josh Peterson today between qualifying rounds at the NHRA Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas, reactions from racers and team owners have been largely positive, though not entirely. Many team owners readily admit that this is a move by NHRA that will undoubtedly increase participation – the savings on fuel alone being significant. However, there are racers and team owners who believe a reduction in schedule can only be seen as a step backwards with serious sponsorship implications. 

 

This story was originally published on October 26, 2018. Drag Illustrated

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Features

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has spent his life chasing speed, but nothing prepared him for the raw, gut-punching thrill of launching Cleetus McFarland’s twin-turbo “Dale...

News

Rick Hendrick has had tremendous success going in circles, but the NASCAR team owner actually developed his love for motorsports in drag racing, a...

Exclusive

The Drag Illustrated Pound-for-Pound Pro Mod Rankings dropped like an atom bomb, and the fallout’s been exactly what Wes Buck wanted: pure, unfiltered debate....

News

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Jianna Evaristo announced today that she will be riding with a new logo on her powerful Buell for the...

Since 2005, DI has informed, inspired and educated drag racers from every walk of the racing life - weekend warrior and street/strip enthusiasts to pro-level doorslammer and Top Fuel racers. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-worthy videos to electric live events, DI meets hundreds of thousands of racers where they live, creating the moments that create conversations.