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PDRA’s Tommy and Judy Franklin Address Rumors, Confirm 2026 Season Plans in Open Letter to Racing Community

Tara Bowker photo

In an open letter to racers, fans, and partners on Monday morning, Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) owners Tommy and Judy Franklin expressed gratitude for the 2025 Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series season and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the series in 2026.

The Franklins described 2025 as one of the most competitive years in PDRA history, extending thanks to racers, host tracks—including Bristol Dragway, GALOT Motorsports Park, Maryland International Raceway, Summit Motorsports Park, US 131 Motorsports Park, and Virginia Motorsports Park—and the dedicated PDRA staff and marketing partners who make the series possible.

Addressing recent speculation about the future of the series, the Franklins directly dismissed the rumors and emphasized their ongoing commitment to the PDRA community. “We are not a fan of the rumor mill and never will be,” they wrote. “Throughout this time, we chose to keep our heads down and complete the 2025 season without any wavering and dedication to the ones who believed in us.”

The letter highlights the sense of family, competition, and shared passion that defines the PDRA. “We love the community that families have created within the PDRA, we love the top-notch level of competition from all competitors, and we are overwhelmed by the support that we receive from racers, partners, media and our loyal fan base,” the Franklins continued.

Concluding their message with optimism, they wrote, “After 12 seasons of PDRA Drag Racing, we are not ready to stop here. See you in 2026.”

This story was originally published on October 27, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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