Keith Haney Kicks off Season with Impressive Performance
Noble, OK – Keith Haney Racing (KHR) started the season on a high note with an outstanding performance in the first three races of the year. 
The team showcased their skill and determination, delivering remarkable results on the track.
When rain postponed the Mid-West Drag Racing Series season-opener at Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas, the race was contested in Tulsa on Wednesday & Thursday May 10-11. An impressive field of cars battled it out and Black Mamba was runner-up to Brandon Snider driving the Whiteley-owned Camaro, normally driven by Steven Whiteley.
With just three days between races, the team headed to XRP for the Xtreme Outlaw Pro Mod race. Despite initial weather setbacks, the KHR team made their mark during qualifying (which he claimed the #1 spot) and eliminations. Keith Haney, driving with precision and speed, set career-best times throughout the event. His first-round victory featured an impressive time of 3.638 seconds at 204.82 mph. Haney continued his winning streak in the second round, clocking in at 3.627 seconds at 206.42 mph, defeating Kevin Hargett. Unfortunately, the winning streak came to an end in a close race against Doug Riesterer, with Haney posting a solid time of 3.644 seconds at 206.42 mph.
Reflecting on the event, Haney shared, “I promised Gaylen Smith and Clyde Scott (XRP Owners) that I would participate in the Ironman Pro Mod race as a show of support since we had to postpone our MWDRS season opener in March. It was a great weekend, filled with fun and pure racing, without the pressure of a series or a specific track.”
With just a two-week break, the KHR team swiftly moved to the Thunder Valley venue in Noble, Oklahoma. The new owners had made improvements, and the track received high praise from the track prep of Samuel Peterson from US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. Although the forecast impacted the turnout, those in attendance were treated to thrilling side-by-side runs. Haney’s qualifying runs secured him the third position in the field with an impressive time of 3.686 seconds.
The eliminations saw Haney’s consistent performance continue. He defeated Chris Juliano with a time of 3.713 seconds, followed by a victory over Ed Thornton with a time of 3.664 seconds. In the semi-finals, Haney clocked in at 3.687 seconds, defeating Mike Labbate. The final round showcased an intense battle between Haney and Steven Whiteley, with Haney emerging as the victor with a time of 3.662 seconds. Additionally, Haney engaged in a thrilling $2500 side bet with Jim Whiteley, adding to the excitement of the race.
Haney, whose win comes on the one-year anniversary of Ronnie Hobbs’ passing, states
“This win was also emotional because I felt like Ronnie Hobbs was riding alongside me. The whole weekend and this win is dedicated to Ronnie and the Hobbs family.”
Keith Haney expressed his joy at being back on the track with his family, stating, “It was good to be back at the track, at home, with my whole family. My stepdaughter Kilee also had a memorable weekend, making her first passes in competition at Tulsa and securing her first-ever round win in Noble.”
“I want to take a moment and thank my wife Misty Haney and the best crew a man could have”, states Haney. “They have been with me through the good and the bad times, Dale Hancock, Shane Goodnight, Little Bobby Savedra, Steve Cooks, and the GREATEST TUNER of all times Brandon Switzer.”
