The PDRA racing series returned to Darlington Dragway to kick off its 2026 season. The event featured newcomers in several classes, along with series veterans returning to action. Teams also faced a drastic temperature change from qualifying to race day conditions. Due to track and weather conditions, the race was postponed, with eliminations continuing during Thursday qualifying at the East Coast Nationals.
Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous Presented by Jerry Bickel Race Cars
Tommy Franklin topped the field during qualifying with a 3.634 at 208.24 mph run. In the semifinals, Mike Achenbach defeated Marcus Butner, while Fredy Scriba advanced past Tommy Franklin. That set up a final-round matchup between two nitrous-injected Camaros driven by Achenbach and Scriba. At the start, both cars left strong, but it was Mike Achenbach who reached the stripe first to secure the win.
WS Construction Pro Boost Presented by P2 Contracting and Ty-Drive
The PDRA Pro Boost record fell during the final round of qualifying on Friday night, when Randy Weatherford laid down a 3.543 pass. Not to be outdone, Johnny Camp reset the record during eliminations on Saturday with a 3.542 run. In the semifinals, Johnny Camp defeated Melanie Salemi to advance. Ty Tutterow was scheduled to face Lyle Barnett, but Barnett did not make the trip to Benson, giving Tutterow a bye run into the finals against Camp.
The Pro Boost final featured a screw blower versus centrifugal supercharger matchup. Both drivers left the line side-by-side, but it was the “Hells Bells” Camaro of Johnny Camp that picked up the win.
Liberty’s Gears Pro Street Presented by KTR
The Pro Street category featured a 13-car field, with Jerry Morgano leading qualifying with a 3.949 at 203.90 mph pass. Morgano carried that momentum into Benson, where he advanced through the rounds and secured a semifinal win. He would face Fletcher Cox in the final after Cox defeated Joel Wensley Jr. in the semifinals. At the start, Cox gained a significant reaction-time advantage and held on for a holeshot victory over Morgano. The margin of victory was just 0.0091 seconds.
Pro 632 Presented by Mark Williams
Ten cars competed in the Carolina Nationals, with JC Beattie Jr. claiming the number one qualifying spot with a 4.127 at 172.55 mph. Beattie advanced to the finals after defeating reigning class champion Jeff Melnick in the semifinals. He faced Jeff Pittman in the final round. Looking to continue his momentum from Darlington, Beattie delivered, defeating Pittman to secure the win.
1320 Fabrication Super Street Presented by Brian’s Heating and Cooling
The 13-car small-tire field was led by Matt Schalow’s 4.608 at 158.34 mph run. In the semifinals, young standouts Connor McGee and Austin Vincent once again faced off to determine who would advance. At the stripe, it was the 2025 Super Street champion, Connor McGee, who moved on to the final round to face Dan Whetstine. Knowing McGee’s capabilities, Whetstine needed to be sharp on the starting line. Unfortunately, he pushed too hard and turned on the red light, handing McGee the win.
You might also like
Event Preview: The Mickey Thompson Turn & Burn presented by Summit Racing Equipment and powered by Sick the Magazine
Turn & Burn is a new take on drag-and-drive events. Summit Motorsports Park will host this unique street car extravaganza.
