The PDRA racing series kicked off its 2026 season at Darlington Dragway, featuring a mix of newcomers and seasoned veterans. Due to significant temperature changes and track conditions, the event was postponed, with eliminations extending into Thursday’s qualifying at the East Coast Nationals.
Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous: Tommy Franklin led the qualifying with a 3.634 run. In the semifinals, Mike Achenbach defeated Marcus Butner, while Fredy Scriba bested Franklin. The final showcased Achenbach and Scriba, with Achenbach taking the win.
WS Construction Pro Boost: Randy Weatherford set a new PDRA record with a 3.543 pass during qualifying, only for Johnny Camp to break it again with a 3.542 during eliminations. Camp defeated Melanie Salemi in the semifinals and received a bye against Ty Tutterow, who advanced due to Lyle Barnett’s absence. The final saw Camp emerge victorious against Tutterow.
Liberty’s Gears Pro Street: Jerry Morgano led the 13-car field with a qualifying time of 3.949. In the finals, he faced Fletcher Cox, who triumphed in a close race, winning by just 0.0091 seconds.
Pro 632: JC Beattie Jr. claimed the top qualifying spot with a 4.127 run. He defeated reigning champion Jeff Melnick in the semifinals and secured victory over Jeff Pittman in the final.
1320 Fabrication Super Street: Matt Schalow led the qualifiers at 4.608. In the semifinals, Connor McGee emerged victorious against Austin Vincent, and, despite Dan Whetstine’s effort, McGee won due to Whetstine’s false start.