Drag Illustrated
Troy Coughlin Jr. on PRO Superstar Shootout: ‘Nothing Beats Racing For Big Cash’
BRADENTON, FL – Third-generation racer Troy Coughlin Jr. will get an early start to the 2024 season, as he’s one of the Pro Stock drivers 
who will compete for $125,000 at the inaugural Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. As one of the young guns competing in the “factory hot rod” class, Coughlin is looking forward to the distinctive elements that will set the event apart, including comprehensive coverage by the official livestreaming partner, FloRacing.
“I’m honored and very fortunate to compete in the PRO Superstar Shootout,” Coughlin said. “This event is in such a unique spotlight with FloRacing. I think we’ll not only have some new viewers but some great content to show the fans and sponsors. This race will give us a chance to get in race mode and get focused early. $125,000 would purchase a lot of tires and parts for the 2024 racing season! There are truly multiple benefits involved with this race. I believe it’s a big step for the future of the sport of drag racing. A big thank you to the entire group at PRO for their work and passion.”
Coughlin isn’t shy about the fact that he has his mind on the money. With $125,000 going to the Pro Stock winner, the PRO Superstar Shootout will be one of the richest single events in the history of the class.
Second Annual Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational Set as Co-Main Event at 2024 World Series of Pro Mod
BRADENTON, FL – The heavy hitters of Mountain Motor Pro Stock will return to Bradenton Motorsports Park March 1-3, 2024, for the 
second annual Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational, race officials announced today. Held in conjunction with the $100,000-to-win Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, the Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational will reward the winner with unprecedented prize money.
“Pro Mod and Mountain Motor Pro Stock just go together,” said Wes Buck, Drag Illustrated founder and WSOPM promoter. “It’s hard not to be a fan of this class with its massive, naturally aspirated engines, hood scoops, and clutches. Plus, the people involved with Mountain Motor Pro Stock are truly special, and the class just continues to grow. The second annual Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational will be the perfect complement to the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod.”
The inaugural $hameless Racing Mountain Motor Pro Stock Invitational presented by Seminole Paving saw class veterans John Montecalvo and Elijah Morton square off in the $25,000-to-win final round. Montecalvo turned on the win light, adding to his résumé that includes world championships in three different organizations.
Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Signs On as Presenting Sponsor of Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – Support for the inaugural Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout continues to build, as race officials 
announced today the addition of Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) as the event’s presenting sponsor. The Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by JHG, February 8-10, 2024, will bring the stars of Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock to Bradenton Motorsports Park for a one-of-a-kind shootout paying out more than $1.3 million.
“We’re proud to welcome Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage into the fold as the presenting sponsor of the Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout,” said Alan Johnson, president, Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO). “Jason Johnson has already made substantial investments in the sport through his support of several teams, and it’s obvious he’s passionate about drag racing. Everyone involved with this event is certainly grateful to have Jason and the JHG team on board.”
Founded by longtime automotive enthusiast Jason Johnson, JHG aims to inspire, drive, and celebrate progress. The JHG collection features more than 150 rare and unique vehicles, from classic muscle cars and hot rods to modern supercars. The company is building a state-of-the-art dealership in Columbia, Tennessee. JHG is the primary sponsor for NHRA Pro Stock world champions Erica Enders and Bo Butner. JHG branding has also appeared on multi-time world champion Matt Hagan’s Funny Car.
PRO Unveils List of Top Fuel, Funny Car Entrants for Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – World champions like Tony Schumacher, John Force, Steve Torrence, Matt Hagan, and Antron Brown will be among the 
more than two dozen Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers who will compete in the inaugural Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout, Feb. 8-10, 2024, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The invitation-only event will pay $250,000 to the winners in Top Fuel and Funny Car, with eight drivers qualifying to race in each class.
“Drag racing is obviously a super-exciting sport, and this event is going to give us the opportunity to showcase that in different ways,” said Alan Johnson, President, PRO (Professional Racers Owners Organization). “Nitro racing is a spectacle. These are the quickest and fastest cars in motorsports, and we’ve put together a list of drivers and teams that represent the best of Top Fuel and Funny Car. This is an exciting opportunity for them to race using a unique format.”
Top Fuel and Funny Car will use the 1,000-foot format. Drivers will get four qualifying sessions – one on Thursday, February 8 and three on Friday, February 9 – to solidify their positions in the eight-car fields. Random chip draws will set the pairings in eliminations leading up to the final round.
Pro Stock Drivers Announced for Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – The Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) and Drag Illustrated announced today the all-star lineup of Pro Stock drivers who will compete for $125,000 to win at the inaugural Scag Power Equipment 2024 PRO Superstar Shootout, February 8-10, 2024, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The group includes world champions, seasoned veterans, and young drivers still building a reputation in the class known for its naturally aspirated, 500-cubic-inch engines and clutch pedals.
“This is going to be a showdown among the best drivers and teams in Pro Stock,” said Alan Johnson, President, PRO. “Fans can expect to see their favorite drivers racing in a relaxed yet high-stakes environment. The competition level in Pro Stock is incredible, and we’re looking forward to seeing the top teams battle it out for $125,000.”
The invitation-only PRO Superstar Shootout will include a 16-car field in Pro Stock, which will compete over the quarter mile. Drivers will have four qualifying sessions – one on Thursday, February 8 and three on Friday, February 9 – to lock in their positions. Random chip draws will determine the pairings in eliminations leading up to the final round.
Scag Power Equipment Named Title Rights Sponsor of PRO Superstar Shootout
BRADENTON, FL – Scag Power Equipment, an industry leader in commercial and residential outdoor power equipment, has been named the title rights sponsor of the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout. The Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout, February 8-10, 2024, will pay out more than $1.3 million in total prize money to racers competing in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner to join us as we host the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout,” said Alan Johnson, President, Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO). “Randy Gloede and the Scag Power Equipment team have become huge supporters of drag racing over the last couple years. They find value in being involved in the sport, and they’re making investments that will help take the sport to new levels. It means a lot to all of us that they believe in what we’re trying to do with the PRO Superstar Shootout.”
Scag manufactures a wide range of commercial and residential lawn mowers and debris/turf management equipment, including zero-turn riding mowers, stand-on mowers, walk-behind mowers, spreaders, sprayers, aerators, stand-on and wheeled blowers, truck loaders, and more. The line has grown from one model to over 50 models, and Scag equipment is proudly manufactured in the United States. Scag Power Equipment is available through more than 1,500 independent dealers across the country.
Kayla Zadel Named Drag Illustrated Digital Content Director
FT. WORTH, TX – Drag Illustrated Media announced today Kayla Zadel as the company’s new Digital Content Director. Zadel, who joined 
the DI team in 2022, will create and publish content on Drag Illustrated’s rapidly growing social media pages, as well as on DragIllustrated.com.
“Kayla joined our team in an editor-at-large capacity about a year ago and has repeatedly demonstrated that she’s a difference maker with every project she’s been involved with, so we’re genuinely excited to see her take on a larger role here at Drag Illustrated,” said Wes Buck, founder and editorial director, Drag Illustrated. “As Digital Content Director, Kayla will be taking the reins of DragIllustrated.com and our social media channels, as well as overseeing our rapidly-growing Crew Chief Daily email newsletter. This new arrangement comes at a fantastic time for Drag Illustrated as we’re seeing record growth across these platforms, and with Kayla at the helm we expect that trend to continue.”
With a background in broadcast journalism and social media marketing and management, Zadel brings a wealth of multi-faceted experience to the table. Along with professional experience, she’s well-versed in the intricacies of drag racing, as she grew up going to the track with her father’s Top Alcohol Dragster team. She also raced a 1970 Ford Fairlane in high school.
Date Set for 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod
BRADENTON, FL – On the first weekend in March 2024, the stars of Pro Modified will return to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the fifth 
edition of the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, March 1-3. The event will be headlined by the $100,000-to-win Pro Mod showdown, with additional classes to be announced.
“We couldn’t be more excited to go back to Bradenton on the first weekend in March for another incredible weekend of Pro Modified racing,” said Wes Buck, founder and promoter, WSOPM. “I love the opportunity to create some continuity. As excited as I was about year one and all the good things that came from this event, I’m even more excited to build on it. To go back to the same venue is huge. That was the first time we’d ever put on an event at BMP. We learned a lot about the track itself and the local area, and we can only grow from here.”
“We at BMP are extremely excited to have the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod back for 2024,” said Victor Alvarez, owner, Bradenton Motorsports Park. “This event was everything we dreamed up and more, and we still have so many plans to make it even better. I can honestly say this was my favorite event I’ve ever been a part of. It was special, and the vibe was unlike anything else I have ever been a part of. Working with the DI crew, we can achieve anything. We’re looking forward to taking it up a notch for 2024!”
World Series of Pro Mod Winner Spencer Hyde Appears on Cover of Drag Illustrated WSOPM Issue
FT. WORTH, TX – On the first weekend of March, Canada’s Spencer Hyde rocketed to the top of the Pro Modified world when he won the 
$100,000-to-win Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by J&A Service at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Now, Hyde’s victory lap continues as he appears on the cover of Drag Illustrated’s new WSOPM Issue, which is now available in digital form and arriving in subscriber mailboxes at the end of May.
“This is obviously very exciting for me and my crew and everybody that’s been behind me,” Hyde said. “It was nice to see the WSOPM footage on the CBS Sports show a few weeks back. That brought all the memories back. I think this issue of Drag Illustrated is really gonna make it all hit home and sink in that we did something pretty cool.”
Hyde had a storybook weekend at the World Series of Pro Mod. Competing against 60 other Pro Mod drivers, Hyde bumped into the 32-car field by just one thousandth of a second in the final qualifying session. He then took out four other standout competitors before beating Kurt Steding in a side-by-side, winner-take-all final round.
World Series of Pro Mod Broadcast to Air Tonight on CBS Sports
BRADENTON, FL – Television coverage of the 2023 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod presented by J&A Service at Bradenton 
Motorsports Park will air tonight, Sunday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports. The hour-long broadcast will recap the $100,000-to-win Pro Mod event, where Canadian racer Spencer Hyde defeated Kurt Steding in a side-by-side final round.
“This is a huge moment for Drag Illustrated and our World Series of Pro Mod, as well as the entire Pro Mod community,” said Wes Buck, WSOPM promoter and Drag Illustrated founder. “Pro Mod absolutely, positively deserves this moment and this stage. I’ve said for years that if drag racing has a best foot to put forward, it’s Pro Mod. To know that the World Series of Pro Mod will be available in over 98 million homes today is humbling and awe-inspiring. The most exciting part, though, is that I truly feel we are just getting started.”
Voiced by WSOPM announcers Joe Castello and Jason Galvin, the World Series of Pro Mod broadcast is a production of Masters Entertainment Group. The show will include behind-the-scenes coverage and interviews with the stars of the WSOPM in addition to all the on-track action.
