The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series started its 2026 season this past weekend at Darana Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina. The pits were packed with trucks and trailers carrying everything from index racers and 10.5 cars to Pro Mods and nitro-breathing machines.
Funny Car
Picking up where he left off last season, Del Worsham claimed the top qualifying spot with a 3.202 at 282.13 mph. Worsham would fall to eventual event winner Dale Creasy in round number two. Creasy went on to face Terry Haddock in the final round, but Haddock was unable to make the call. Creasy coasted down the track to secure the win.
Top Fuel
The eight-car field of Top Fuel was led by Jasmine Salinas, who laid down a blistering 3.004 at 285.59 mph. In the finals, it came down to the number one qualifier Salinas, and the number two qualifier, Gary Pritchett. Pritchett had an ever-so-slight advantage off the starting line, but Salinas ran into trouble down track. Pritchett went on to get the win light after suffering a fiery explosion at the top end.
Top Alcohol Funny Car
Ten cars came to see who would make it into the eight-car field, and at the end of qualifying, Phil Esz secured the number one spot with a 3.546 at 211.49 mph. At the end of the night, Bruce Mullins faced Esz in the finals. Unfortunately, Esz experienced mechanical problems and was unable to get his car to fire for the final round, allowing Mullins to take home the win. Mullins went on to run 3.743 at 201.43 mph.
Top Alcohol Dragster
Jamie Noonan secured the number one qualifying position with a 3.472 at 228.58 mph. Noonan’s consistent runs put him in the finals alongside Rich McPhillips. The pair left the line side by side, but McPhillips powered down the track to turn on the win light with a 3.493 at 229.78 mph, edging Noonan’s 3.545 at 229.04 mph effort.
Fueled Altereds
The nitro-breathing Fueled Altereds class saw Ryan Hill take the number one qualifying spot with a 3.624 at 183.00 mph. Hill faced number two qualifier Cody Austin in the finals. Austin left the line with a huge advantage. Shortly after the launch, Hill encountered severe tire shake and had to pedal the car multiple times in an attempt to recover. Unfortunately for Hill, Austin was on a clean pass and drove straight to the finish line and the winner’s circle. Austin ran 3.721 at 219.36 mph to Hill’s 5.023 at 104.33 mph.
Outlaw Pro Mod
Jason Scruggs was the quickest qualifier in the field of fourteen Outlaw Pro Mods. In the final round, Cam Hensley faced Randy Weatherford. Hensley left Weatherford sitting on the starting line and secured the holeshot victory, running 3.600 at 204.66 mph to Weatherford’s quicker but losing 3.569 at 210.90 mph.
Pro Mod
The field of 26 Pro Mods was led by Jason Harris with a strong 3.543 at 211.59 mph qualifying effort.
The final round saw Harris face class newcomer Peter Norton. The two drivers, both coming off recent wins at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series, continued their momentum at the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series. Harris was caught sleeping at the starting line, allowing Norton to grab the holeshot win and earn his first IHRA victory. Norton ran 3.567 at 210.31 mph to Harris’ quicker but losing 3.545 at 211.86 mph.
Mountain Motor Pro Stock
The 23 “maniacs” of Mountain Motor Pro Stock were led in qualifying by Alan Drinkwater’s Mustang with a 4.026 at 179.23 mph.
The final round featured Johnny Pluchino and young gun Jordan Ensslin. Both cars left the line side by side, with Pluchino holding a slight advantage. The two machines stayed door-to-door the entire way down the track, but it was Pluchino’s Mustang that reached the stripe first. Pluchino ran 4.041 at 178.17 mph to Ensslin’s 4.051 at 176.86 mph.
Small Tire Bratz
The no-time class final featured Cory Reed against Bill Lutz. Reed, driving the Mustang owned by Manny Buginga, parked the car in the winner’s circle for his first IHRA class win.
Additional Winners
Nitro Harley — Ryan Peery
Snowmobile — Anthony
Mini Pro Stock — Tony Scott
Top Sportsman — Jay Kirk
Top Dragster — Joseph DiPasquale
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