Xtreme Front-Wheel-Drive (XFWD) racing has seen a notable rise in popularity over the past few years. This surge can be attributed to several high-profile events and record-breaking performances.
Some of the events where XFWD is widely popular are the Haltech World Cup Finals: Import vs. Domestic, The Reunion, and FL2K. The World Cup Finals is set to hold its 28th annual event this year at Maryland International Raceway, and many XFWD racers circle the date on the calendar.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #190, the State of Drag Issue, in September/ October of 2024.]
Held at Bradenton Motorsports Park, FL2K has a cult-like following among street car and import fans. It is entering its 12th year and also provides another platform for XFWD racing.
Another contributing factor to the class’s popularity is that XFWD has made its presence known in the Street Car Takeover series.
Then, in 2023, the inclusion of the inaugural Xtreme Front Wheel Drive Challenge, which was introduced at the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, also at Bradenton, brought significant attention to the XFWD category.
Lastly, The Reunion has drawn many XFWD back to South Florida to compete in front of capacity crowds for big cash.
Drivers like Bradley Dillon, who has partners like FuelTech and Precision Turbo, have also contributed to the increased visibility and excitement around XFWD racing. Dillon made headlines by piloting his Dodge Neon SRT4 at The Reunion to a groundbreaking 7-second pass, setting multiple records in the process. His achievements highlighted the potential and competitiveness of XFWD cars, which are normally dominated by Hondas, drawing more fans and participants to the sport.
Additionally, standout racers such as Nichole Elff have been making waves in the XFWD scene, further boosting its profile. Elff’s participation and victories in various events have showcased the growing talent and competitive nature of this racing category. Furthermore, Elff is one of the few women in the class and hopes to inspire more females to join.
Elff has partners, like Speed Factory and CP Carrillo, who are working hand in hand to help her reach her goal of making the 200-MPH pass.
Overall, the inclusion of XFWD in major drag racing events and the record-breaking performances by top drivers have significantly contributed to its rising popularity.
This story was originally published on November 11, 2024. 
