BRADENTON, FL – Dave Richards made some big strides in 2023 with the Paul Richards Racing family-owned Funny Car. The team picked up a major sponsorship with VersaTran and they turned heads with solid qualifying efforts and round wins at several events.

The upstart team received an invitation to participate in the inaugural Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park and the opportunity was too good to pass up for the Florida-based team. Richards is looking forward to competing in the first-time event against the biggest names in the sport for $250,000.

“That is one of the coolest things for me is to be included in this event with the best of the best,” said Richards. “I am thankful we can be a part of the PRO Superstar Shootout. We are looking forward to it and it is going to be a cool deal. This is the first time for a race like this and I hope there are many more after this. Racing at NHRA national events is big, but this just feels like a Super Bowl or World Series atmosphere.”

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BRADENTON, FL – Second-generation professional drag racer Justin Ashley grew up watching his father, Mike Ashley, compete in Pro Mod and Funny Car match races and NHRA national events. Now, as a championship-contending Top Fuel driver in his own right, the 29-year-old from Plainview, New York, has crisscrossed the country for four seasons on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, building a fanbase and experiencing national events at dozens of racetracks.

The 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year is excited about the prospect of launching a new drag racing event in Bradenton, Florida, with the Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The big-money race offering $250,000 to the Top Fuel winner has grabbed the attention of the drag racing world, and Ashley understands the growing excitement for the race from both the fan and competitor perspective. The uniqueness of the event, as well as the chance to launch a new endeavor, has Ashley eager to get the 2024 season underway.

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INDIANAPOLIS – Drag Illustrated announced today the 2023 edition of its popular 30 Under 30 List, which shines a spotlight on the most talented and promising young people in the sport of drag racing. All 30 individuals are featured in the 2023 30 Under 30 Issue, which was released in its digital form Monday night. The print edition of the issue will be available later this week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, where Drag Illustrated will recognize the 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 during a special press conference on Friday, Dec. 8.

“This issue is one of the most important projects on our schedule,” said Nate Van Wagnen, editor-in-chief, Drag Illustrated. “The 30 Under 30 list started as a way to recognize the rising stars of the sport while reminding the world that drag racing’s future is in good hands. Now in its eighth year, the 30 Under 30 list has become a movement. Thousands of people submitted nominations this year. Parents, siblings, teammates, friends, mentors, and other supporters helped us learn more about the young men and women who are contributing to the success of the sport in innumerable ways.”

This year’s cover star is Donnie Hagar, who made bracket racing history when he became the first footbrake racer to win the Mickey Thompson Million Dollar Race at World Wide Technology Raceway in September. The Michigan-based driver also went on to win the WDRA No-Box season championship.

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INDIANAPOLIS – For the second consecutive year, Lincoln Electric will award a major prize package to one lucky honoree on Drag Illustrated’s 30 Under 30 list. All 30 honorees on the 2023 30 Under 30 list will have the chance to win the kit through a random chip draw during the 30 Under 30 press conference on Friday, Dec. 8 during the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. The prize package includes a Lincoln Square Wave® TIG 200 TIG Welder, welding gear, and a welding class.

“It’s humbling to see Lincoln Electric continue to support the 30 Under 30 program and the future leaders of our support in such a hands-on way,” said Wes Buck, founder and editorial director, Drag Illustrated. “Providing one of the honorees with a valuable package of Lincoln welding products, as well as the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best, really shows that Lincoln Electric believes in what we’re doing, but also what these young people on the 30 Under 30 list are doing and will continue to do for years to come.”

During the DI 30 Under 30 press conference on Friday, Dec. 8, Lincoln Electric’s Lon Damon will draw a chip to determine the winner of the prize package. Honorees will also receive custom 30 Under 30 jackets and prizes from other 30 Under 30 program sponsors.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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