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Victor Alvarez and Troy Pirez Jr. Join Forces to Debut KBX-Built Mustang at No Mercy 16

Bradenton Motorsports Park owner and Pro Mod driver Victor Alvarez is teaming up with longtime friend and accomplished racer Troy Pirez Jr. to debut their newly acquired X275 Ford Mustang at Donald Long’s No Mercy 16: United We Stand, taking place this weekend at South Georgia Motorsports Park.

The car, originally owned and built by John Kolivas of KBX Performance, has a proven pedigree in small-tire competition and will now see action under the Alvarez–Pirez banner. The duo purchased the car recently and are making their debut with it at one of the most storied events in radial tire racing.

“I’m fired up about teaming up with Troy to do this,” said Alvarez. “We’ve done a lot of racing together and love the action in X275. And getting to work with John Kolivas on it, having him help us with tuning the car – that’s huge. We’re going to try and hit the ground running this weekend at Duck’s No Mercy 16.”

For Pirez, the return to X275 represents a full-circle moment. He and his father were among the earliest adopters of the class, competing and winning in some of the first-ever X275 races more than 15 years ago.

“I was there from the start with my dad, racing some of the first X275 events,” said Pirez. “To come back now and race it again – and to do it with Vic and KBX – that’s really special. The class has grown and evolved, but it’s still alive and well, still supported by hardcore racers, and that’s awesome to see.”

The Mustang was originally spec’d for Ultra Street competition but will now be configured for X275, where the pair plans to chase the Radial Tire Racing Association (RTRA) championship beginning with the U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park in January. KBX’s Kolivas – one of the most respected tuners and builders in small-tire racing – will continue to play an integral role in the car’s setup and performance.

John Kolivas on the property at South Georgia Motorsports Park

“I wouldn’t have done this deal without John and the KBX team being part of it,” Pirez added. “We’re not just buying a car – we’re investing in the relationship, the knowledge, and everything that comes with being under the KBX umbrella.”

Testing for the new combination began this week in Valdosta as Alvarez and Pirez prepare for their first official qualifying session on Wednesday.

(Photos courtesy of Kyle Christ/Straight Line Media)

This story was originally published on October 7, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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