The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) will introduce its brand-new Outlaw Pro Mod class this weekend during the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series event at Darana Raceway – Hebron. The high-horsepower machines will make their first official appearance under the IHRA banner with competition set for Friday and Saturday.
Outlaw Pro Mods are known for their variety of power combinations and body styles, built on the “run what you brung” mentality that has long fueled the class. Veteran driver Frankie “Mad Man” Taylor has been instrumental in bringing the new class to life.
“We’ve been talking about doing the Outlaw Pro Mod class,” Taylor said. “We’ve got an eight-car field this weekend with plans to expand the class during the rest of the season.”
Taylor emphasized that the ruleset is designed to maximize performance and diversity rather than restrictions.
“Basically, all safety rules are in place, but we just get to run ours a little bit more hopped up – try to go in the 3.40 to 3.50 range,” Taylor explained. “There’s no weight limit. You don’t have to add 500 pounds to make it legal. You can run blower with blower, nitrous with blower, turbos with nitrous – whatever combination you want. You can have two power-adders! It’s meant to be a safe, fun, fast class.”
Taylor also credited IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell’s vision for pushing the new addition.
“Darryl’s been wanting an Outlaw class the whole time,” Taylor said. “The plan is to start the class now – this is just the beginning.”
At least eight cars are already locked in for the debut, with more expected. Future events could expand to 16-car fields. For Taylor, part of the appeal is the showmanship that makes Pro Mods a fan favorite.
“These cars are the kind of wild and crazy Pro Mods fans love,” Taylor said. “Mine’s a C5 Corvette – multicolored, eagle on the front, American flag down the side. That’s what makes this class so exciting.”
The purse for the inaugural event:
- Winner: $30,000
- Runner-Up: $10,000
- Semifinalists: $7,500
- First-round losers: $2,500
- 9th & 10th qualifiers: $1,250
With big payouts on the line, wild combinations, and established names like Taylor leading the way, Outlaw Pro Mod is set to deliver plenty of action for IHRA fans.
The class makes its debut this Friday and Saturday at Darana Raceway – Hebron. Tickets are available now, with free admission for children 12 and under. Fans unable to attend can follow the action on IHRA.tv and SPEED SPORT 1.
This story was originally published on September 5, 2025. 
