What started as a one-race opportunity has quickly turned into something much bigger for one of drag racing’s most popular rising stars.
Following an extremely impressive performance throughout the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, fan-favorite driver Lyle Barnett jumped at the opportunity to serve as a fill-in driver for NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series championship contender Billy Banaka at the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports season opener, the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.
Barnett made the absolute most of the opportunity.
Driving for Billy Banaka Racing against a stacked field of Pro Mod heavy hitters, Barnett qualified No. 6 with a strong 5.732-second pass at 249.86 mph, then put together an incredible march through eliminations all the way to the final round. Along the way, Barnett and the team also posted top speed of the meet at 252.24 mph, further underlining just how competitive the combination was from the opening round to the final pairing.
Barnett’s weekend ended in dramatic fashion, as he turned it oh-so-slightly red in the final round against Derek Menholt after an otherwise spectacular performance. Still, there was no denying the statement made by Barnett and the Billy Banaka Racing team in Gainesville, as the fill-in assignment turned into one of the biggest stories of the event.
At first, that was supposed to be the end of it.
But Barnett’s momentum was impossible to ignore, and when the opportunity presented itself to keep him in NHRA Pro Mod competition, Mark Stockseth and his rapidly growing Outlaw Light Beer brand jumped at it.
In an effort to capitalize on Barnett’s popularity, rising star power, and fan appeal, Outlaw Light Beer has secured a sponsorship partnership with Barnett that will see him remain a part of the Billy Banaka Racing operation for the foreseeable future. The new agreement keeps Barnett in NHRA Pro Mod competition on a multi-race deal during the 2026 season, beginning with the fast-approaching NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix.
The partnership pairs one of drag racing’s most electric personalities with Outlaw Light Beer, the fastest-growing light beer in the United States and now available in all 50 states.
Just as important, the move shines a light on Billy Banaka’s commitment to the class and to building a winning operation. While this was originally intended to be a one-race arrangement, Banaka – who finished No. 2 in the NHRA Pro Mod points standings in 2025 – immediately made the decision to convert his outlaw Pro Mod Camaro to NHRA-legal trim and field two cars in the series once this opportunity came together, making it possible for Barnett and Outlaw Light Beer to continue this momentum under the Billy Banaka Racing banner.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to fly the flag of a mainstream corporate sponsor, and I’m fired up to finally make it happen,” said Barnett. “I’m proud to announce that Mark Stockseth and Outlaw Light Beer have partnered with me and Billy Banaka Racing on a multi-race deal for the 2026 NHRA Pro Mod season. After a killer showing at the season opener in Gainesville, we’re rolling into Phoenix with Outlaw Light Beer riding along with me on the side of this iconic Pro Mod Camaro and ready to keep the momentum going.
“Huge thank you to Outlaw Light Beer for the support and for believing in our program,” Barnett added. “We’re looking to make some noise together.”
Stockseth says Barnett was a natural fit for the brand and the kind of driver worth betting on.
“Lyle Barnett is exactly the kind of driver and personality you want representing your brand,” said Stockseth. “He’s a superstar talent behind the wheel, he connects with fans, and he brings an energy to the sport that’s impossible to miss. We believe it’s important for drag racing to keep young, marketable characters like Lyle in the mix, and when the opportunity came up to partner with him and Billy Banaka Racing, we jumped at it. Outlaw Light Beer is the fastest-growing light beer in the United States, now available in all 50 states, and we’re thrilled to be part of a program that can help us continue building this brand while making an impact in the sport.”
For Banaka, the decision to expand the program and keep Barnett involved was an easy one after what the team saw in Gainesville.
“What Lyle did for our team in Gainesville was huge,” said Banaka. “He stepped into a tough situation against one of the baddest Pro Mod fields you could put together and flat out delivered. He drove the wheels off the thing, went to the final round, and showed everybody exactly what he’s capable of. Once the opportunity came together with Mark and Outlaw Light Beer, I knew I wanted to do what it took to keep this deal moving. We went to work getting another car converted to NHRA specs, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to put this together. I’m excited for Lyle, excited for Outlaw Light Beer, and excited about what this means for our whole team moving forward.”
The new partnership is a major moment for all involved.
Barnett gets the opportunity to continue building momentum in one of the toughest categories in the sport. Banaka expands an already formidable operation after finishing second in the championship hunt a year ago. Outlaw Light Beer aligns with one of drag racing’s most entertaining and marketable young stars at a time when his profile is climbing in a big way.
If Gainesville was any indication, this group may be just getting started.
Barnett and the Billy Banaka Racing/Outlaw Light Beer team will make their next appearance at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix as they look to carry their momentum into the second stop of the 2026 NHRA Pro Mod season.
For more information on Outlaw Light Beer or to find it near you, visit outlawbeer.com/where-to-buy/.
Photo courtesy of Capri Wesley
This story was originally published on March 14, 2026. 
