With just five passes on a brand-new combination, Michael Hawes rolled into the $100,000-to-win N/T 275 shootout at Boddie’s Grudge Bowl and very nearly stole the show. The Kentucky-based driver and no-time standout pushed his freshly-built hot rod, affectionately nicknamed “Louis Vuitton” for its color scheme, all the way to the final round – falling just short against Drag Illustrated Winter Series contender Jimmy Taylor.
The Grudge Bowl, held July 11-12 at U.S. 60 Dragway in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, marked Jay Boddie’s return to race promotion. With grudge matchups headlining Friday night and $100K on the line in N/T 275 on Saturday, the weekend delivered on every level – packed stands, killer air, and some of the baddest small-tire racing of the year.
For Hawes, it was a trial by fire. With only a handful of test hits under his belt, this was his first time behind the wheel of the car in competition.
“We’re still physically drained from the weekend, but man, what a run we had,” said Hawes. “To go out there with a new car – basically straight off the trailer – and make the final in this field? That’s a win in itself.”
The early rounds weren’t easy. Hawes admitted he was struggling with the tree – either red-lighting or leaving way late. But once he found his rhythm, the tide turned. Round after round, he advanced, knocking off some of the toughest names in the class on his way to the final.
“This level of racing is brutal. We had some parts failures, quick turnarounds, but everyone stayed locked in and kept pushing. That’s what it takes to go rounds.”
The car – a screw-blown ’69 Camaro – turned heads all weekend. As Hawes lined up against Taylor in the money round, the energy in the house was off the charts. While he came up just short, the momentum is real – and Hawes made it clear that the next big payday is already on his mind.
“We’re getting Louis Vuitton freshened up and ready for Big Jake’s race in September,” said Hawes. “We’re coming for that $200K.”
Hawes made a point to thank the many hands who made the weekend possible – Ryan McCain and Stevie Jackson for the tune-up, Nicole Hawes for the support, his mom and daughters for making it a family affair, and the crew who turned the car around round after round.
“Hailey Hawes, Alan Bradshaw, DJ – y’all killed it,” Hawes added. “It takes a small army to run at this level and I’ve got a great one.”
He also gave props to Chris Mattingly and the team at U.S. 60 Dragway for the killer surface. And on the Jr. Dragster side, the celebration continued as Little Michael Jr. reached the semifinals in Lil’ Gangstas.
“We’re getting that win soon – I can feel it.”
As the dust settles from the Grudge Bowl, one thing is clear: Michael Hawes and “Louis Vuitton” are officially on the radar – and the hunt for $200,000 is on.
This story was originally published on July 15, 2025. 
