The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series offseason comes to an end this week as the 2026 season kicks off at the KTR Drag Racing Carolina Nationals presented by Pee Dee Fleet, March 25-28, at Darlington Dragway. The first of seven races on the 2026 PDRA schedule, the Carolina Nationals marks the series’ return to Hartsville, South Carolina, for the first time since 2023. Two headlining Pro Modified classes and a loaded lineup of supporting professional and sportsman categories will make for a weekend of nonstop action.
“We can’t wait to get the season started at the Carolina Nationals at Darlington Dragway this weekend,” said Tyler Crossnoe, series director, PDRA. “It’s been a long winter since we crowned our 2025 world champions in October, and our team has been busy working behind the scenes to make sure this season is a memorable one for racers and fans. The PDRA was built on a great place to race for all competitors and putting on a great show for the fans in the process. We plan to continue that in 2026 and do it better than ever.”
Built in 1976, Darlington Dragway has a rich history in the world of Pro Modified racing with a number of “firsts” on its list of highlights. The track is now under the operation of Pro Mod racer John Doc and his Nasty Racing team.
“Darlington is special,” Crossnoe said. “Darlington was the original proving grounds for Pro Modified and it’s been a popular stop on the PDRA tour multiple times throughout our 12-season history. We’re eager to return, especially with a racer like John Doc now at the helm.”
Doc is one of the drivers expected to compete in WS Construction Pro Boost presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive, one of the two headlining Pro Mod classes. He ran the full season in 2025 and finished eighth in the final points standings. Second-generation driver and tuner Ty Tutterow enters Darlington as the reigning world champion in the class.
Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous presented by Jerry Bickel Race Cars features some of the quickest and fastest nitrous-fed Pro Mods in the world, with speed record holder Marcus Butner rolling into 2026 as the reigning world champion for the first time. Three-time world champion Tommy Franklin is also back, as well as his daughter, Amber Denton, who’s set to run her second full season in Pro Nitrous.
The reigning world champion in Liberty’s Gears Pro Street presented by KTR Drag Racing will not defend his title, as two-time champion Ethan Steding made the move to Pro Boost over the offseason and plans to pursue a title there. Retired NFL superstar Fletcher Cox, who earned his first career win as a driver last season, is expected to field his nitrous-fed “Training Day” ’69 Camaro, leading a growing list of drivers who harness big horsepower on 33×10.5 slicks.
PDRA Pro 632 presented by Mark Williams Enterprises and 1320 Fabrication Super Street presented by Brian’s Heating & Cooling are also returning for the 2026 season. Jeff Melnick earned his second Pro 632 world championship in three years last fall to enter as the reigning world champion, while former Jr. Dragster driver Connor McGee picked up his first career Super Street season title.
Sportsman racing has been a key component of the PDRA since the inaugural 2014 season, and that will continue this season with MagnaFuel Elite Top Sportsman presented by PAR Racing Engines, Greenbrier Excavating & Paving Elite Top Dragster presented by American Race Cars, MagnaFuel Top Sportsman, ATI Performance Products Top Dragster presented by TBM Brakes, and Edelbrock Bracket Bash presented by Philadelphia Racing Products.
The future stars of the sport will compete in the Carolina Nationals in the PDRA’s Jr. Dragster ranks, Pro Jr. Dragster and Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster.
Pre-race testing will be available for competitors on Wednesday and Thursday before Top Sportsman and Top Dragster start qualifying on Thursday evening. The new Laris Motorsports Insurance Coffee & Donuts meetup is set for Friday at 8:10 a.m. with Jr. Dragster qualifying to begin on-track activity at 9 a.m. Pro qualifying sessions are set for noon, 5 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. On Saturday, Jr. Dragster will wrap up qualifying at 9 a.m. with sportsman eliminations to follow. Pre-race ceremonies will kick off at 12:15 p.m.
There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.
