When it comes to outlaw drag racing, few embody the spirit of competition and sportsmanship quite like Ken Quartuccio. A Drag Illustrated honored Outlaw Drag Racer of the Year recently sat down with Wes Buck on The Wes Buck Show to reflect on his experience at the first event of the DI Winter Series presented by J&A Service, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks at Bradenton Motorsports Park and share his vision for the future of Pro Modified racing. Quartuccio’s candid insights and commitment to fairness offer a refreshing perspective in the high-stakes world of drag racing.
At the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, Quartuccio found himself at the center of a dramatic moment: a double-bulbing incident during his race against close friend Mark Micke. Double-bulbing, where a driver accidentally activates both staging lights before the other driver is ready, can be seen as a breach of racing etiquette. Quartuccio, however, made it clear that the move was unintentional.
“Mark’s one of my best friends, and I’m kind of a perfectionist with my driving,” Quartuccio explained. “I take a lot of pride in being fair with everybody. When I lit that second bulb, I tried to back out, but he was already coming in. I decided the best thing I could do for both of us was to stay there. At the end of the track, I felt like a scumbag doing it. That’s not how I race.”
Quartuccio’s immediate regret and attempts to make amends underscore his dedication to sportsmanship. Wes Buck praised Quartuccio’s handling of the situation, calling it an example of why the sport is filled with some of the “best people on the planet.”
For Quartuccio, the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals wasn’t just another race; it was his first time driving a screw-blown Pro Mod. Despite his extensive experience in other classes, adapting to this new setup presented challenges.
“We tested about two weeks before,” Quartuccio shared. “I’d never driven a screw car before, and I was struggling a little because I’m small and can’t see anything to the right side of the car. But my team—Steve Petty, Brandon Stroud, Chris Terry, CT—worked hard to make me comfortable. By qualifying, we’d really dialed it in.”
Quartuccio’s willingness to adapt and his team’s dedication paid off. The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals proved to be one of the most competitive events in recent memory, with tightly packed qualifying times and top-tier performances.
Safety remains a top priority for Quartuccio, especially in a sport where 3,500-horsepower machines barrel down the track at breathtaking speeds. “If we can’t make a driver comfortable, they’re not going to be able to hold the throttle the whole way down,” he noted. “This isn’t my car, so I told my team upfront that I wouldn’t push past my comfort limits. Safety for myself and my competitors is everything.”
Looking ahead, Quartuccio plans to expand his racing schedule significantly in 2025, balancing competition in Radial vs. the World (RVW), the Drag Illustrated Winter Series and NHRA Pro Mod events.
“Instead of racing less, I’m probably going to race a lot more,” Quartuccio said with a laugh. “We’ve teamed up with some amazing people, including Scott Tidwell and Dustin Meson, and we’re planning to run multiple cars across several series. It’s an exciting time to be in the sport.”
Quartuccio also echoed Buck’s sentiments about the importance of sustainable growth in Pro Mod racing. “The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals was one of the most exciting races I’ve ever been part of,” he said. “But we have to make sure we’re keeping really good cars and teams involved without watering it down. That’s what makes this special—racing with the absolute best.”
Both Quartuccio and Buck emphasized the importance of fan engagement in growing drag racing. Events like the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals not only draw large crowds but also attract millions of online viewers.
“Fans pay the bills,” Quartuccio remarked. “We’ve got to make sure we’re putting on a show. Saturday night qualifying was probably the best racing I’ve ever experienced. The stands were packed, and the energy was electric.”
This story was originally published on December 23, 2024. 
