Drag Illustrated
PJS Racing Joins WSOPM as Event Sponsor
BRADENTON, FL – PJS Racing has been named an event sponsor of the 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM) 
presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage and J&A Service, race officials announced today. Taking place March 1-3 at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the WSOPM will see more than 60 of the best Pro Modified teams in the world compete for a $100,000 winner-take-all prize.
“Brandon Pesz, his wife Kimmelyn and son Cole, along with the whole gang at PJS Racing, are doing big things in the sport of drag racing right now, and I couldn’t be more excited to have them as part of our Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod family,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder & editorial director. “I’ve known Brandon since 2006 when we met at Texas Raceway in Kennedale, Texas, and we’ve been good buddies ever since. I’ve always tried to do my best to support him and his racing career and now, as a business owner himself, he’s committed to supporting me, and that means a lot. It’s how these things are supposed to work.”
PJS Racing is known for building some of the most powerful and durable racing engines on the market, while maintaining the highest quality and quantity of parts available for their customers. They also provide tuning and suspension setups for high-horsepower race cars.
Strange Engineering Joins Forces Again with Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod as Racer Welcome Party Partner
BRADENTON, FL – Strange Engineering, a leading provider of high-performance automotive components, is proud to announce its 
partnership with the 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM) presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage and J&A Service, to host an exclusive Racer Welcome Party. This event will set the stage for the highly anticipated racing weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park from March 1-3, with the welcome festivities taking place on Thursday, Feb. 29.
The WSOPM Racer Welcome Party presented by Strange Engineering aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere for racers and sponsors alike, allowing them to unwind and socialize before the competitive action begins. According to Drag Illustrated Founder and WSOPM Promoter Wes Buck, the idea is to recreate the carefree spirit of youth.
“With the high stakes and pressure that come with the WSOPM, we wanted to continue the tradition of the pizza party where our racers can grab a slice of pizza and a cold drink,” said Buck.
2023 Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association Champion Derek Ward Ready to Take On 2024 World Series Of Pro Mod
BRADENTON, FL – A six-year veteran of the Pro Modified ranks, Derek Ward had his most successful season to date in 2023, having 
claimed the Northeast Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA) championship. Now, he is ready to throw down at the biggest and baddest Pro Mod event of the year, the 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage and J&A Service, March 1-3 at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
“I am excited for sure and it’s definitely the biggest race I’ve ever raced at,” Ward said. “I think if we keep the car consistent like we have, we have as a good a chance as any to win it.”
There’s no doubt that 2023 was challenging for Ward, who was mixing it up with some of the best Outlaw Pro Mod racers around in the NEOPMA series, but the Maryland resident also suffered a major crash towards the end of the season.
“I wrecked at Budds Creek at the end of last year. A week later, I bought this one,” he said of the burgundy hued, 2005 G-Force Race Cars-built ‘68 Firebird he is currently piloting.
Shelton, Rivenbark Bringing One-Two Punch to World Series of Pro Mod
BRADENTON, FL – Pro Modified veterans-turned-teammates Stan Shelton and Kevin Rivenbark will both be looking for redemption at 
this year’s Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM) presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage and J&A Service, taking place March 1-3 at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
Both drivers narrowly missed the field in 2023 – Shelton qualified 34th, with Rivenbark one spot back in 35th – after getting bumped out in the final qualifying session by Spencer Hyde. Hyde then went on to win the $100,000 prize. That setback is only motivating the pair even more this year.
“We’re really excited, because we didn’t make the show last year,” said Shelton. “We came in, we tested, but we just wasn’t good enough. But that’s what is so impressive about the show – everybody’s got a chance to win it. We’re excited about running two cars. It’s a little tougher for us, but we like what we’re learning from it. We’ve got a great combination.”
Travis ‘The Carolina Kid’ Harvey Pulling Double Duty at World Series of Pro Mod
BRADENTON, FL – When Travis Harvey rolls through the gates of Bradenton Motorsports Park for the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro 
Mod (WSOPM) presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage and J&A Service March 1-3, he’ll do so with double driving duties.
Not only will Harvey be competing for the $100,000 prize in Pro Mod, he’ll also be competing in the $50,000-to-win Intercontinental Top Dragster Championship presented by FTI Performance, driving a car owned by Jeff Pittman and Angie Travis.
In Pro Mod, Harvey – the 2023 Big Dog Series champion – will be piloting his new screw-blown 2019 Chevy Camaro tuned by Steve Petty. He is hoping to improve upon his 2023 performance, where he qualified 27th and earned a first-round victory against Robert Abbott before falling to Marcus Birt in round two.
“I’m feeling a lot better and more confident than I was last year,” said Harvey. “We had a new combination last year starting out. It was great. But this deal, we’re a lot more prepared to come and run against the fast guys now. I think we’ll be great coming out of this race.”
Aaron Stanfield Prepared to Turn Shop Fever Into Shootout Focus for PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – Pro Stock standout Aaron Stanfield has a fever that not even Will Ferrell’s cowbell could cure. It’s shop fever – loosely 
defined as the itching agitation that a drag racer feels after spending too many days in the shop without getting out on the track to experience the rush of dopamine and adrenaline that only comes from the power of acceleration coursing through one’s body.
“I tell the guys here (at Stanfield Racing Engines), we’ve been working in the shop for so long I’m starting to get shop fever,” joked Stanfield. “I’m just ready to get back out there and get to racing.”
Luckily for Stanfield, the wait is almost over. He will join his fellow Elite Motorsports Pro Stock teammates for the inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
Eric Latino Set for Pivotal Challenge at PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – Eric Latino is one of the 20 Pro Stock drivers who are gearing up for an appearance at the inaugural SCAG Power 
Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage set to take place Feb. 8-10 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. This event stands out in the drag racing calendar not only for its high stakes but also for its unique format and significant racer involvement.
“I’m excited about the race because there is $125,000 on the line,” said Latino. “I’m also excited because there are going to be fuel cars in Bradenton – the fans are going to crazy for it, and I think it will be a sell-out.”
The substantial prize money, $125,000-to-win in Pro Stock, is a major draw for him and his KB Titan Racing team. However, the PRO Superstar Shootout holds more than just financial allure for Latino.
PPG Named Premier Sponsor of PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – PPG, a world leader in performance coatings, has signed on as a premier sponsor of the inaugural SCAG Power 
Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The paint manufacturer will also serve as the primary sponsor on the Tasca Racing Ford Mustang driven by Bob Tasca III, one of the 13 drivers competing for the $250,000 Funny Car title at the first-ever PRO Superstar Shootout.
More than $1.3 million in prize money will be up for grabs at the PRO Superstar Shootout, which also includes $250,000-to-win Top Fuel and $125,000-to-win Pro Stock.
“This race wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors like PPG,” said Bob Tasca III, Funny Car driver and board member, Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO). “Companies like PPG are standing behind the racers saying, ‘Hey, let’s do something different. We want to be a part of it.’ I think it’s just a testament to the sponsors that believe in these teams and want to support us. We’re grateful for their support and we’re going to do everything in our power to make it a huge success.”
Bob Tasca III Focused on Chasing $250,000 Funny Car Payday at PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – As a third-generation racer in the Tasca family, tradition is important to Bob Tasca III. But he also recognizes the 
opportunity to step outside the box and try new things. That’s one of the reasons why he’s looking forward to heading south to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage on Feb. 8-10. Tasca is one of 13 Funny Car stars who will compete for the $250,000 Funny Car winner’s share of the $1.3M total prize money.
The PRO Superstar Shootout, also featuring $250,000-to-win Top Fuel and $125,000-to-win Pro Stock, will offer four qualifying sessions to the invite-only roster of drivers, with one session set for Thursday night and three sessions on Friday. Eliminations will kick off on Saturday. The eight qualified drivers in Top Fuel and Funny Car and the 16 qualified drivers in Pro Stock will use random chip draws to determine pairings in eliminations.
Musco Sports Lighting Named Official Temporary Lighting Provider of PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – When the stars of Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock begin Thursday night qualifying under the lights at the inaugural 
SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, they will be illuminated by Musco Sports Lighting. Race officials announced today that Musco will serve as the Official Temporary Lighting Provider of the PRO Superstar Shootout, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
“It makes all of us feel good knowing that Musco is providing the light we need to run this event as safely as possible,” said Chad Head, vice president, Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO). “We’re trying to live up to the safety standards that we’re given week in and week out by our sanctioning body. Safety is of the utmost importance, and when you’re dealing with cars traveling at over 300 MPH, we need the best lighting available.”
The leader in sports lighting equipment, Musco is already familiar with the needs of professional drag racers through its work with the NHRA. Though the PRO Superstar Shootout is not an NHRA-sanctioned event, race officials like Head recognized Musco as the go-to source for temporary lighting solutions.
