Elite Motorsports is gearing up for the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing season with a focus on maintaining its success and pushing for excellence. Despite a successful 2023 season that included their sixth NHRA Pro Stock world championship with Erica Enders, the team is not resting on its laurels.

Team owner Richard Freeman expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming season, highlighting the strength of the team’s partnerships. Freeman emphasizes the importance of deep relationships with partners like Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, whose continued growth with Elite Motorsports reflects the team’s operational success.

While there are significant changes, the team is retaining successful elements. Enders will continue driving the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Camaro, and Troy Coughlin Jr. will be behind the wheel of the JEGS/White Castle machine.

Bo Butner, a drag racing fan favorite, is set to lead a two-car Mountain Motor Pro Stock team in 2024, supported by NHRA class sponsor Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. Butner will also take on the role of Director of Team Development for Elite Motorsports, contributing his expertise to foster talent both on and off the track.

“I am looking forward to racing the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock cars in 2024. I know we will have a great time,” said Butner. “Helping with team development at Elite Motorsports is going to be a fun project to help ensure long-term success in and out of the race cars.”

Aaron Stanfield will move over to drive the second Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Pro Stock entry in 2024, backed by Janac Brothers Racing, JC3 Energy Services, and growing support from Melling.

“To say this has been a crazy couple of days would be an understatement,” said Stanfield. “From winning Pro Stock at the NHRA Finals, my wife having our second baby to now driving a Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage car with the support of Melling and my longtime sponsors Janac Brothers Racing and JC3 Energy Service seems more like a dream than reality.”

Melling Performance and Melling Engine Parts will continue their support for Erica Enders, expanding their involvement with Elite Motorsports.

In a notable addition, veteran Jeg Coughlin Jr. will return full-time in partnership with SCAG Power Equipment.

“Being back behind the wheel at the Tulsa test and the Vegas and Pomona races these past couple weeks was extremely enjoyable,” Jeg stated. “The feel and acceleration of the car, working with team Elite drivers and crew, and working with our great partners, namely SCAG, surpassed my expectations and solidified in my mind that I wanted to make a run for future Pro Stock championships. I really look forward to working with the team at SCAG Power Equipment to learn and help grow the relations with their dealer network and end users. The car looks great and I couldn’t be more proud to transition to the famous and very visible SCAG ‘Cats Eye Gold’ in 2024.”

The team’s 2023 Rookie of the Year nominee, Jerry Tucker, returns with continued support from Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer. Tucker, with 30 years of racing experience, is eager to build on his rookie year in Pro Stock.

“I am really excited to return in 2024 and pick up where I left off,” said Tucker. “I learned a lot during my rookie year and I have close to 100 laps under my belt. Having Outlaw Mile Hi Light Beer on the car for a full season is going to be clean, crisp and crushable.”

The Cuadra family, with support from Corral Boots and Cuadra brands, will field a four-car effort in NHRA’s Pro Stock class in 2024.

“I am really excited about next season, I feel confident with my race car and my team. Everything is moving in the right direction,” explained Cristian Cuadra. “The way all of the Elite guys are supporting me makes me feel like I’m already a champion. I can’t wait for 2024.”
“I am very excited for this upcoming season,” noted David Cuadra. “Winning my first race in Top Sportsman and making history in 2023 made me motivated and confident. I am ready to turn on lots of win lights in both Top Sportsman and Pro Stock next season. Being part of Elite Motorsports has helped me so much in every aspect of my racing career and I am very happy to be racing with them again.”

CTech Manufacturing becomes the Official Tool Storage Provider for Elite Motorsports in 2024, reinforcing their longstanding relationship with the team.

Scott “Woody” Woodruff, Director of Branding and Motorsports, emphasizes the growing support from partners and the team’s commitment to ensuring mutual success. The team’s extensive list of partners, including Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, SCAG Power Equipment, Melling, JEGS, and others, will have increased visibility in the upcoming season.