Following a memorable debut at last year’s Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, the Pro 10.5 Challenge will return to the WSOPM lineup on Feb. 27-March 1 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. With an invitation-only field made up of the quickest and fastest drivers in PDRA Pro Street and Outlaw 10.5, the Pro 10.5 Challenge will pay out $25,000 to the winner.
“The racers who competed in the inaugural Pro 10.5 Challenge at the 2024 World Series of Pro Mod really made a positive impression,” said Wes Buck, promoter, WSOPM. “I’ve followed Outlaw 10.5 racing for years and knew this group would be the perfect complement to our Pro Mod field, and these racers proved they absolutely belong on this stage. From Lance Knigge riding the bumper across the finish line to Nick Schroeder winning from the No. 14 spot, the Pro 10.5 Challenge added some incredible moments to the WSOPM weekend. I can’t wait to see what happens this year.”
As in its inaugural year, the second annual Pro 10.5 Challenge will follow current PDRA Pro Street rules, which limit competitors to 33×10.5 bias-ply slick tires and body styles that retain factory appearance, profiles, and dimensions. Around 20 drivers will be invited to attempt to qualify for the 16-car field. Random chip draws will determine pairings in eliminations, and the winner will walk away with $25,000.
Outlaw 10.5 veteran Tom Kasper will return to his role as the class liaison, working with the Drag Illustrated event team to round up racers and sponsors. Previously a proven driver in the class, Kasper now serves as car owner for the twin-turbocharged Victus Sports Mustang driven and tuned by sons Ty and TJ, respectively.
“The inaugural Pro 10.5 Challenge was one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of in racing,” Kasper said. “It was the largest field of Outlaw 10.5 cars assembled in years. You had some of the quickest and fastest guys in PDRA Pro Street, plus some Outlaw 10.5 veterans making a comeback. The chip draws made for some unpredictable racing on Sunday.
“Fans relate to these cars because they resemble cars in the parking lot or on the street or in the garage, but they’re making as much power as the Pro Mods,” Kasper added. “These cars are wild and crazy, and the drivers are willing to do whatever it takes to get to the finish line first, even if that means dragging the rear bumper at 200 MPH.”
Drivers or brands interested in participating in the second annual Pro 10.5 Challenge can reach Kasper via email at [email protected].
The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod is the final race of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service, a three-race Pro Modified series contested at Bradenton Motorsports Park. To learn more, visit www.WorldSeriesOfProMod.com or www.TheWinterSeries.com.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2025. 
