The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series is already bracing for huge fields and intense action at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment East Coast Nationals presented by FuelTech, but a new face in the Liberty’s Gears Pro Street class has fans buzzing. After thriving on Discovery Channel’s “No Prep Kings” circuit, Bobby “Lil’ Legend” Ducote and his fan-favorite Trans Am will dive into the ultra-competitive world of 10.5-inch tire racing with zero testing under their belts.
“We’re coming in hot and straight off the ramps,” Ducote posted on social media. “We had some parts come in late, so we’re going on a different surface with different tires—way smaller 10.5s—and no testing. Oh, boy!”
It’s a bold move, but the Mississippi-based racer isn’t going in alone. Ducote will have help from Marty Merillat of Merillat Racing, the renowned chassis builder who’s also staging his own comeback following an accident in Bradenton, Florida, less than a month ago.
Ducote’s journey from the unprepped asphalt of street and no-prep events to the finely tuned surface at GALOT Motorsports Park is a major storyline for the PDRA’s fifth season of Pro Street competition. With big names like defending world champion Ethan Steding, class E.T. record holder Brian Weddle, and two-time champion Tim Essick all chasing victories in the 10.5 tire category, Ducote will have little room for error.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how Bobby adapts to this new environment,” said PDRA Series Director Tyler Crossnoe. “Pro Street is one of our most unpredictable classes, and we’ve seen a ton of growth and excitement around it. We’re looking forward to seeing what Bobby and his team can do.”
The East Coast Nationals marks the first of eight events on the 2025 PDRA schedule. Boasting continued sponsorship from Red Line Oil, bigger championship payouts—nearly $200,000 total—and high-profile matchups across Pro Nitrous, Pro Boost, Pro Street, Extreme Pro Stock, Pro 632, Super Street, and multiple sportsman categories, PDRA is poised for its biggest season yet.
Fans who can’t make it to GALOT Motorsports Park can tune in live via FloRacing.com. Keep an eye on DragIllustrated.com and PDRA social channels for updates on Bobby “Lil’ Legend” Ducote’s Pro Street debut and all the action unfolding at the East Coast Nationals.
This story was originally published on April 1, 2025. 
