Drag Illustrated is proud to announce the Elite Motorsports Million, a landmark $1,000,000 bonus awarded to any Pro Modified driver who can win all three races of the 2025-2026 Drag Illustrated Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
This unprecedented prize represents the largest single-performance-based payout in drag racing history, raising the stakes for the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals (Dec. 5–7, 2025), U.S. Street Nationals (Jan. 23–25, 2026), and the World Series of Pro Mod (Feb. 26–28, 2026).
“This is about changing the trajectory of our sport,” said Wes Buck, founder of Drag Illustrated and architect of the Winter Series. “For too long, drag racers – legends and champions – have had to downplay their winnings when talking to peers in other forms of motorsports. That ends now. Drag racing deserves big numbers, and a million-dollar prize does more than get attention – it gets results. It motivates teams. It inspires dreams. And it tells the world we mean business.”
The announcement comes in partnership with Elite Motorsports, the powerhouse NHRA team and racing operation owned by Richard Freeman. Based in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Elite Motorsports is widely recognized for its Pro Stock dynasty and recent expansion into Pro Mod, Mountain Motor, and beyond.
“Drag racing has given me everything, and I believe in giving back,” said Freeman. “This is the kind of moment our sport needs – something big, bold, and damn near unbelievable. If putting up a million bucks helps one racer change their life, if it pushes a team to take their program to the next level, then it’s worth every penny.”
Freeman, whose Elite Motorsports operation includes six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders among its roster, sees the Elite Motorsports Million as more than a prize – it’s a challenge.
“This isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re going to have to beat the best, on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights,” Freeman continued. “But somebody out there is going to do it – and I can’t wait to shake their hand when they do.”
Bradenton Motorsports Park, the official home of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series and one of the most active drag strips in the country, is undergoing a series of major facility upgrades this summer in anticipation of not only the Winter Series but their own signature events – including the highly anticipated FL2K in October.
“This just adds to the already over-the-top excitement and atmosphere we’re building at BMP,” said Vic Alvarez, owner of Bradenton Motorsports Park. “We’ve been investing heavily in improvements because we believe in the future of this place, and the Elite Motorsports Million makes that future even brighter. It’s going to be electric.”
The Drag Illustrated Winter Series has quickly become one of the premier attractions in drag racing, drawing global participation and massive fan interest to Florida each winter. With the Elite Motorsports Million now attached, the 2025-2026 season promises to be the most impactful in the series’ young history.
“This isn’t the last move we’ll make,” added Buck. “But it might be the most important one yet.”
About Drag Illustrated
Founded in 2005, Drag Illustrated is a modern motorsports media company dedicated to growing the sport of drag racing through storytelling, content creation, and industry leadership. With a focus on Pro Mod and outlaw-style racing, Drag Illustrated operates as both a print publication and event promoter, including the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod and the Drag Illustrated Winter Series.
About Elite Motorsports
Elite Motorsports, LLC, is the largest professional drag racing team in the NHRA’s Pro Stock category and a growing force in Pro Mod, Mountain Motor, and sportsman racing. Founded in 2004 by Richard Freeman, Elite Motorsports is headquartered in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, and serves as a full-service racing operation, equipment provider, and industry leader.
About Bradenton Motorsports Park
Located in Bradenton, Florida, BMP is one of the most iconic and active drag racing facilities in the U.S., home to countless major events including FL2K, Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, U.S. Street Nationals, and the World Series of Pro Mod. Under the leadership of Vic Alvarez, the facility has undergone extensive upgrades and continues to serve as a destination track for fans and racers alike.
This story was originally published on July 18, 2025. 
