The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series era is officially underway. In a history-making weekend at Darana Raceway, Scott Palmer and Mike McIntire captured Top Fuel and Funny Car wins, respectively, at the series’ inaugural event.
Each earned a $50,000 payday and the coveted IHRA Ironman trophy, with all the action live streamed on IHRA.TV.
Palmer, behind the wheel of the Professional Bull Riders dragster, took the Top Fuel victory with a 3.958-second blast at 314.24 mph, edging out Krista Baldwin, who posted a strong 4.125 at 293.28 mph in the final. The win marked Palmer’s first IHRA Top Fuel triumph since 2008 in Milan, Michigan.
“I’ve been doing a terrible job driving all weekend,” Palmer admitted. “I just couldn’t keep my foot on the floor like a beginner. I had to step it up — luckily, my clutch work was good.”
In Funny Car, McIntire backed up his No. 1 qualifier status by marching through eliminations and delivering a 4.166 at 293.41 mph in the final. He edged out former IHRA world champ Del Worsham, who ran a quicker 4.160 at 305.56 mph but was behind on the tree.
“It’s crazy. It’s insane. I love IHRA and I love racing Del,” McIntire said. “This is for my dad. He passed away earlier this year. We did this together. I can’t even describe it.”
In Pro Mod, Frankie “Mad Man” Taylor capped off a stellar weekend with a solo shot in the final after Mike DiDomenico shut off at the line. Taylor clocked a 3.726 at 199.64 mph and dedicated the win to Scotty Cannon on his birthday.
“Thanks to Darryl Cuttell for putting this all together and bringing IHRA back,” Taylor said. “We pour our hearts and souls into this.”
Larry Morgan scored the Pro Stock win after opponent Derrick Reese red-lit in the final. Both cars shook the tires, but Morgan’s Camaro continued down track for the W.
“I haven’t raced in a while, but to come here and win this race is pretty special,” said Morgan. “I just drive the car — we’re excited for all the people here.”
Bob Malloy came out on top in Top Fuel Harley, ripping off a 5.340 at 204.01 mph to defeat Jay Turner, who ran 5.491 at 193.29 mph.
In Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Jerry Tucker’s .024 light made the difference over Chris Powers in a near-dead heat. Tucker’s 4.120 at 174.89 mph held off Powers’ 4.122 at 174.26 mph.
Tony Wilson took the Pro Nitrous win after Dale Brinsfield’s wild ride in the final saw his front end lift and slam down, triggering the chutes. Wilson stayed in it for a 3.790 at 201.64 mph.
In Top Alcohol Dragster, Jackie Fricke delivered a near-perfect .006 light and a 5.520 at 267.53 mph to get around Mike Coughlin, who posted a 5.606 at 262.74 mph.
Finally, in Top Alcohol Funny Car, Canadian racer Stan Sipos edged out Phil Esz with a 5.505 at 264.03 mph to Esz’s 5.496 at 262.28 mph in a side-by-side battle.
Next up for the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series is a return to familiar ground: Milan Dragway in Michigan, July 23–26.
This story was originally published on July 13, 2025. 
