The PDRA is now entering its fourth season as a racing organization, and the future couldn’t look any brighter. There are lots of exciting things that will be happening both on and off the track for racers and fans alike as 2017 rolls to life. For the PDRA, the new season is all about becoming a household name in drag racing, taking the organization to the next level, and providing great entertainment for anyone who attends one of their events.
Bob Harris, the General Manager of the PDRA, has years of experience in the drag racing world and is very optimistic about 2017.
“The PDRA already provides some of the best competition for the racers who come to our events, and we will continue that this year for sure. Our goal for 2017 is to make sure the fans have a great time, and see the PRRA as more than just a drag race, but as an experience they won’t forget. We want people to come back year after year to enjoy some family fun.”
To help enhance the fan experience this season, the organization is really thinking outside the box for new ideas. The races will have more of true “event” feel, and help bring the fans and racers closer.
“At each race, we’re going to do some activities that are more than the hard-core drag racing side of things that will involve the racers and fans. On the racing side, we’re going to do some things we haven’t done before that will be interesting. We’re looking to really put on a great show and entertain the fans,” Harris says.
At each race, we’re going to do some activities that are more than the hard-core drag racing side of things that will involve the racers and fans. – Bob HarrisLast season, the PDRA added a lot of extra on-track action that the fans loved, and gave a slew of different racers more opportunities to show off their talent. For 2017, there will be even more extra races at each PDRA event that will bring the excitement that the fans will love for sure. “This season we’re looking to do a lot of grudge races between our own competitors and bring in a few of the Street Outlaws guys on Friday nights. We also want to mix in races with local heroes and some match races that will pit Top Alcohol Funny Cars against our Pro Mods. The fans like those kinds of matchups between a Funny Car and a door car so we’re happy to give it to them. There will also be exhibition vehicles like wheelstanders and jet cars, too,” Harris explains.
Putting fans and racers first is a formula that has worked for the PDRA since its inception, and Harris expects that to pay off in 2017 with even bigger car counts and fan turnouts. “For 2017, the PDRA is very excited about all of our classes. We’re looking to have a 20 to 25 percent increase of cars this year right off the bat. We’re a hard-core racing organization but we still want to keep the family atmosphere for the racers and spectators,” Harris says.
Our goal for 2017 is to make the fans have a great time, and see the PRRA as more than just a drag race. – Bob HarrisWhat can fans expect from the PDRA’s top classes in 2017? According to Harris, nothing but the best racing you’ll ever see at the drag strip. “In Pro Extreme, the cars will be running in the 230 mph range with sub .90 sixty foot times. This is a very competitive class where these racers really go at it, and is the premier class in the PDRA. Our Pro Nitrous class has become our most competitive and closely contested on the track that our fanbase loves. I expect this class to be insane this year with the times the racers will run. Pro Boost will be the class with the highest car counts because we allow both roots superchargers and turbochargers. There are so many teams that have the chance to win the world championship, so it will be exciting for sure.”
In addition to the power-adder classes, the PDRA is bringing back their top naturally aspirated class for 2017. “We’re excited about mountain motor Extreme Pro Stock cars coming back on a full eight-race schedule. We haven’t had this class since 2014. This is a class that’s been around since the 1970s and can be hard to get new blood in. It’s great to bring the class back and see all the racers come to one place to race,” Harris says.
The PDRA is also going to expand their Top Sportsman eliminator for 2017, thanks to the sheer number of cars that have been showing up at their events. But, they will be doing it with a twist to make the racing even better for everyone. “Since we had such a high turnout for Top Sportsman cars last year, we’re going to do a special program. This year there will be an elite Quick 16 for those who want to run to the absolute edge. We will still have an additional 16-32 car Top Sportsman class for those who want to run, but not as fast as the really quick guys, while having fun,” Harris explains.
In addition to this expanding Top Sportsman program, the PDRA will be adding another big-tire door car class. “We’re having a new class at four select races this year called Extreme Outlaw 632. It will follow the traditional Outlaw 632 rules you see in the South where racers have a cubic-inch limit. This class is full of new blood and younger racers competing head-to-head at really fast fast door car speeds,” Harris says.
Besides all of these great new classes, the PDRA will be bringing back their other popular classes, and also visiting some new venues in 2017. “Top Dragster will be back along with our Pro Extreme Motorcycles, two Jr. Dragster classes, Outlaw 10.5, and the Bracket Bash. We’re also excited about going back to SGMP in Georgia for the first time since 2014. The PDRA will be also be visiting Darlington Dragway in South Carolina and the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis in 2017, both of which we’ve never been to,” Harris explains.
As you can see, the PDRA has a loaded 2017 that’s full of great racing. There will be something at each event that any racing fan can enjoy with a few surprises mixed in. Make sure you check out the full season schedule below and make plans to attend at least one event. But, if you can’t make it to the track, don’t worry, as Speedvideo.com will be broadcasting every race live in 2017.
The 2017 PDRA Season Schedule
- South Georgia Motorsports Park March 10-11
- Galot Motorsports Park March 31- April 1
- Darlington Dragway May 19-20
- Maryland International Raceway June 2-3
- Lucas Oil Raceway July 14-15
- Osage Casino Tulsa Raceway Park August 11-12
- Galot Motorsports Park September 8-9
- Virginia Motorsports Park October 20-21
The 2017 PDRA Classes
- Pro Extreme
- Pro Nitrous
- Pro Boost
- Extreme Pro Stock
- Top Sportsman
- Top Dragster
- Pro Extreme Motorcycle
- Pro Jr. Dragster
- Top Jr. Dragster
- Extreme Outlaw 632
- Bracket Bash
- Outlaw 10.5
Photos courtesy of PDRA: Gary Rowe/ RaceWorks.com
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