Vergotz Racing has announced the expansion of its program with the addition of a second race car, as Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 alumnus John Vergotz Jr. has acquired a 1941 Willys from Blake Housley.
Vergotz Jr., who has been active in the racing scene since the age of eight, has been preparing for this next step while tuning the team’s 1969 Camaro, “The Dark Knight.” During recent testing at Dragway 42 in Ohio, Vergotz hopped behind the wheel of the Dark Knight to get some runs under his belt, where he recorded a personal best of 3.768 at 186 mph.
The team plans to debut the newly acquired Pro Mod entry at Milan Dragway during the monthly Heads-Up Series on May 1. The event will serve as a shakedown ahead of a planned campaign in both PDRA Pro Nitrous and IHRA Pro Mod competition later this season.
Originally built in 2020, the 1941 Willys is powered by a Pat Musi Racing Engines 959 and paired with a Rossler Transmissions Turbo 400 three-speed transmission.
“Following in my dad’s footsteps has been a dream of mine since I started racing Jr. Dragsters at eight years old,” said Vergotz Jr. “Over the years, I’ve focused on learning the technical side of the sport, eventually stepping into a tuning role on ‘The Dark Knight,’ where we’ve run as quick as 3.65. Last year, my dad encouraged me to get behind the wheel and gain experience in the Pro Mod category. When this opportunity came along through Blake, we knew it was time to go all in.”
Vergotz Jr. expressed gratitude to those who have supported his journey:
“First and foremost, all glory goes to God.
“I would first like to thank my parents. My dad, John Vergotz, has inspired me since day one to be involved in racing the way he is. None of this would be possible without him and his support. My mom, Tina Vergotz, I can’t thank her enough for all of her love and support of our racing program through the years. My mom and dad have inspired and supported me since day one so that I could chase this dream of mine.
“Next, my girlfriend, Ashley Strauss. I can’t thank her enough for all of her love and support. She is my racing partner in crime and we’re excited to see where this new journey takes us. I love you babe!
“Shane McLaughlin, my brother and right-hand man. A lot of this would not be possible without all of his help. He is always one phone call away from anything and everything I could possibly need. I couldn’t do this without him.
“Lewie Wortman, my brother-in-law but has always treated me like a brother. He has been by my side since the beginning and has helped me grow to become a better racer and person.
“Blake Housley, for everything he has done for me throughout this process and in years prior. Blake has helped me to become a better tuner and has helped me grow in the racing world in general. I couldn’t be more honored to be in the driver’s seat of the first car he has ever built.
“Also would like to shoutout all of my siblings for their love and support through the years, Shane, Meagan, & Sarah along with my older brother Chase watching from above. I would also like to shoutout Keith Kelling & Kelling Equipment Repair, Jalen Burbage & JBR Solutions, Kyle Christ & Straight Line Media, Kameron Koch, Kyle & Cole Rokosky, Ryan Kerchevall, Jordyn Bradby (Weebo Motorsports) and all of the friends and family that have supported me throughout the years!
“Thank you to all of the partners we are going to have on board, I couldn’t be more excited to strap into the seat!”
This story was originally published on April 20, 2026. 
