Small Tire Pro Stock racers traveled tremendous distances to compete at Jackson Dragway, Aug. 29-30, 2025 in Jackson, Tennessee, and they were welcomed by fellow racer Don Baskin as they arrived at the track he owns in the Volunteer State.

This was the first eighth-mile event this year for Small Tire Pro Stock racers, who usually compete on the quarter-mile. Mean Street, 6.0 Shootout, 7.0 Shootout, Grudge and other racers were also in competition, and track manager Scottie Corbin made sure the track was hooking for various tires and power levels.

The quickest Small Tire Pro Stock racer in qualifying was Joe Clemente of New Jersey, who stopped the clocks at 4.94 and 141 mph in his Mustang powered by a 419 cubic-inch small-block Chevrolet built by Martino Race Engines and topped with two carburetors massaged by Dale Cubic of CFM Performance Carburetors. For his efforts, Clemente earned the strong as a bull-themed trophy and a $250 top-qualifier bonus sponsored by his business, Dolce and Clemente’s Market, and David Theisen’s business, V & J Inc.

To go with the grudge racing scene over the weekend, Small Tire Pro Stock racers held a chip draw, facilitated by Roger Conley of Motorsports Tech Services, for the first round of eliminations to determine pairings.

David Theisen and his Firebird powered by a 500 cubic-inch DRCE engine by Uratchko Racing Engines. (Photo credit: Mary Lendzion)

Due to the heat, racing began in the evening, and Small Tire Pro Stock was called to the lanes for the first round of eliminations around midnight. All racers showed their capabilities and copious amounts of horsepower, and crackerjacks David Theisen of Michigan and Dwight Ausmus of Tennessee cruised to the final round of eliminations.

Theisen, who earned a win in Small Tire Pro Stock at Darana Dragway this year, traveled to a 4.97 on a solo pass in the first round of eliminations in his Firebird powered by a 500 cubic-inch DRCE engine by Uratchko Racing Engines. On a holeshot pass, he defeated Joe Clemente with a 4.98 to Clemente’s close 4.96 in the second round of eliminations, but sadly, was forced to watch as his fellow racer’s Mustang made a move toward the wall and hit it hard. Clemente, who was surrounded at the scene of his crash on the top end of the track by his concerned team, fellow racers and track crew, was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was treated for a concussion and bruising.

“First, I would like to say that I am glad Joe is okay and I am sure he will be back better than ever because he is a great competitor,” said Theisen, who would have been paired with Dwight Ausmus for the final round of eliminations before they mutually decided not to run it. “Dwight and I decided to split and not race the final. We have had so many great races between us over the years, and I am sure this one would have been a close one as well. I would like to thank Don Baskin and Scottie Corbin for putting on a great race.”

Ausmus, who earned wins in Small Tire Pro Stock at Rockingham Dragway, Beech Bend Raceway Park and Darana Dragway this year in his Firebird powered by a 573 cubic-inch Pontiac by BES Racing Engines, lined up against Jason Ozier and his Monte Carlo in the first round of eliminations, and Ausmus arrived at the win with a 4.94 to Ozier’s 5.66. At around 2 a.m., he had a solo pass down track in the second round of eliminations as his opponent, Robert Hollingsworth, had an ill-timed issue with his Camaro. It was from there that Ausmus would have faced Theisen for the final round of eliminations.

Dwight Ausmus in his Firebird powered by a 573 cubic-inch Pontiac by BES Racing Engines. (Photo credit: Mary Lendzion)

“After the accident in the semifinal, my focus on winning the race turned off, and it was much later than we were accustomed to racing, and close to dew point,” said Ausmus. “I told Dave I would prefer not running the final. It just did not feel right. He was okay with it so we decided to split.”

10K Technology-sponsored payouts for Small Tire Pro Stock were $2,500 for the winner, $800 for the runner-up, $400 for semifinalists and $200 for quarterfinalists. In addition to 10K Technology, Small Tire Pro Stock has steady support from Pen and Paper Strength App, Dolce and Clemente’s Market, V & J Inc., BES Racing Engines, CFM Carburetors and Exstreme Fab and Beadlocks. Weldon High Performance is on board as a contingency sponsor, and the class is welcoming new sponsors.

Small Tire Pro Stock’s inaugural season is flying by as quickly as the cars in the class, and the final Small Tire Pro Stock race of the year is set for Sept. 26-27 at Cecil County Dragway in Maryland. After our class champion is crowned, the focus will turn to attending the Performance Racing Industry Show, Dec. 11-13, 2025 at the Indiana Convention Center.

For more information about the class and sponsorship opportunities, please follow the Small Tire Pro Stock Facebook page or email Mary Lendzion at xx98@sbcglobal.net.

Joe Clemente was the quickest Small Tire Pro Stock racer in qualifying with a 4.94 and 141 mph in his Mustang powered by a 419 cubic-inch small-block Chevrolet built by Martino Race Engines. (Photo credit: Mary Lendzion)