As the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series enters its 13th season, the all-eighth-mile series is once again helmed by Series Director Tyler Crossnoe. After stepping away from his position as the vice president at Virginia Motorsports Park over the winter, Crossnoe is now locked in on the PDRA and its seven-race season.
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI 199, the Interview Issue, in March/April 2026.
Offseason initiatives have included improvements to existing elements, but also all-new programs. Pre-race promotions will reach more eyeballs, racers who win and even qualify will walk away with more money, and fans who attend races in-person or watch live on FloRacing will witness improved shows optimized for both fans and racers.
Drag Illustrated grabbed a quick interview with Crossnoe over the offseason to get his thoughts on the upcoming season.
What’s your mindset going into the 2026 season?
We are spending a lot more time on the series than ever before and trying to fine-tune a lot of details that have needed some time in the past. I am motivated to continue to improve the series each time we show up to the racetrack and continue to make small changes throughout the season to improve the overall product for everyone involved.
The PDRA was built on a great place to race for all competitors and putting on a great show for the fans in the process. We plan to continue that in 2026 and do it better than ever.
What has you most excited about this season?
I think I am most excited about all of our changes and additions. Change is hard at times but sometimes, change can be exciting.
Adding the Triple Threat Bracket Series to the PDRA folder is one of my favorite changes for the season after the years of building it through our time at VMP. I’m a bracket racer at heart and enjoy competing when I have time to get behind the wheel, but I always enjoy trying to promote events that I would circle on my calendar as a racer.
The purse increases for the Red Line Oil PDRA series are exciting to give back more than ever to the racers. I think for the first time in the series’ history, all Pro classes are paying out qualifying money equal to the entry fee so effectively, if you qualify, your entry fee is paid for, which for me is extremely exciting to see for the future of the sport.
What can racers and fans expect from the series for 2026?
Racers can expect our professionalism and consistency that we’ve always brought to the table, but striving to do better each and every event. While there will be hurdles to overcome at all events, it is our goal and promise to always put our best foot forward, no matter the hurdles.
Fans can expect the best eighth-mile drag racing on the planet as we’ve delivered in the past. Our biggest goals for the 2026 season do come through our new FanZone area on the midway that we debuted in 2025. We are going to put more emphasis on creating the ‘extras’ at the PDRA events this season, giving our racers and teams chances to get in front of the fans more and build on storylines through the year.
For our fans across the globe who may not can attend in person, our partnership with FloDragRacing continues for the entire 2026 season for live streaming of all the Red Line Oil PDRA Series events from Darlington to the World Finals in Virginia.
