The Red Line Oil Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) announced today its eight-race 2027 schedule, highlighted by the return of two historic facilities, Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina and Summit Motorsports Park in Ohio. The series will compete at seven facilities across five states, beginning April 7-10 at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina, and concluding Oct. 14-17 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie, Virginia.
The 2027 schedule builds on the PDRA’s commitment to providing a consistent, professional championship drag racing platform for competitors while delivering an entertaining experience for fans. With more than $1 million in guaranteed event payouts, nearly $200,000 in championship prizes, and the annual Night of Champions awards banquet, the series continues to offer racers a compelling opportunity to compete for a world championship.
“It’s cliché to say, ‘this is the best schedule yet,’ but it is hard to argue,” said Tyler Crossnoe, series director, PDRA. “All of the facilities partnered with the PDRA in 2027 are unique in their own way, operate in a professional manner, and all row the boat in the same direction, which is putting on professional events for the racers and offering a great entertainment experience and value for the fans. For racers, I truly feel this schedule is something that a lot of people can commit to and chase a world championship for next season.
“The PDRA series continues to lead the industry with over a million dollars in guaranteed event payouts, nearly $200,000 in championship prizes, a professional yet family friendly atmosphere at events, and arguably one of the best year-end banquets in motorsports with the Night of Champions – what else could a racer want?”
The most notable additions to the 2027 tour are Rockingham Dragway, which last hosted the PDRA in 2016, and Summit Motorsports Park, which returns after a one-year absence. Both facilities bring established drag racing markets and strong regional fan bases back into the PDRA championship picture.
The PDRA will return to Rockingham May 13-15, marking the series’ first visit to the historic North Carolina facility in more than a decade. Under the ownership of Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli, Rockingham Dragway has undergone extensive improvements as the track continues to expand its role in major drag racing events.
“PDRA is finally back,” said Dan VanHorn, co-owner, Rockingham Dragway. “We are beyond thrilled that the Franklin family and Tyler Crossnoe have included Rockingham Dragway on their 2027 schedule. W are excited to make this one of the absolute best PDRA events on their schedule. We have a full, diverse schedule each season, but with the addition of the PDRA, 2027 is now at an elite level for us. This is Pro Mod country and we are their biggest fans here at ‘The Rock.’”
Following Rockingham, the PDRA will head to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, June 3-5. Known as “America’s Racetrack,” the Bader family-operated facility has been a longtime destination for major drag racing events and will again welcome the PDRA’s professional and sportsman competitors.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the raw horsepower, fierce competition, and world-class racers of the PDRA back home to Summit Motorsports Park,” said Bill Bader Jr., president, Summit Motorsports Park.
Crossnoe emphasized the importance of returning to both markets and strengthening relationships with the facilities’ ownership groups.
“These are two staple facilities in their respective states that we are glad to be partners with,” Crossnoe said. “PDRA needed a race back in the Ohio market. There are too many drag racing fans and racers in the area that want this to happen. Norwalk is a cornerstone in all of drag racing. I’m excited to get back to America’s Racetrack in 2027 and work alongside the Bader family and their team.
“The PDRA has not been to Rockingham since 2016 and since then, the new ownership of Dan VanHorn and Al Gennarelli has been head-first on updates and bringing ‘The Rock’ up the ladder as a top drag racing destination for all motorsports enthusiasts,” Crossnoe continued. “We are excited to add these two storied and historic facilities back to a top-tier schedule for the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series in 2027.”
The season will open with a four-day event at GALOT Motorsports Park, April 7-10, before moving to Virginia Motorsports Park for the second race of the season, April 22-24. The spring schedule continues with the trips to Rockingham and Norwalk, completing the first half of the eight-race championship tour.
Following an extended summer break, the series will resume July 29-31 at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Maryland. Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee, will host the sixth stop on the schedule, Aug. 26-28, bringing the series back to the mountains of northeast Tennessee.
The championship battles will then return to GALOT Motorsports Park, Sept. 9-11, before the season concludes with a four-day finale, the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals featuring the seventh annual Summit Racing PDRA ProStars presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance at Virginia Motorsports Park, Oct. 14-17. Both facilities will host two PDRA events in 2027, continuing their roles as familiar stops on the series tour.
Beyond the schedule itself, the PDRA remains focused on expanding its marketing partnerships, enhancing the at-track experience for fans, and maintaining the racer-focused approach that has defined the series since its inception in 2014. Series officials are also exploring additional elements to further enhance the 2027 events, with more announcements expected ahead of the season opener.
2027 Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series Schedule
April 7-10: GALOT Motorsports Park – Benson, NC
April 22-24: Virginia Motorsports Park – Dinwiddie, VA
May 13-15: Rockingham Dragway – Rockingham, NC
June 3-5: Summit Motorsports Park – Norwalk, OH
July 29-31: Maryland International Raceway – Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 26-28: Bristol Dragway – Bristol, TN
Sept. 9-11: GALOT Motorsports Park – Benson, NC
Oct. 14-17: Virginia Motorsports Park – Dinwiddie, VA
PDRA officials will have additional announcements and news regarding the 2027 season during the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, Dec. 10-12, in Indianapolis, Indiana, along with crowning the series champions during the Red Line Oil PDRA Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 11 at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott.
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