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Mid-West Drag Racing Series Visits New Flying H Dragstrip for Summer Smackdown

Mid-West Drag Racing Series Visits New Flying H Dragstrip for Summer Smackdown
The Mid-West Drag Racing Series visited the new Flying H Dragstrip this past weekend for the Summer Smackdown event. The threat of rain kept everyone cautious on Friday during testing. Despite the weather concerns, more than 50 racers signed up and were able to take advantage of the favorable conditions as the rain held off, allowing for uninterrupted test runs.
Qualifying began under different conditions as light rain led to multiple rounds of track drying. The Stroud Safety ProMod class was the only one to complete its first round of Qualifying, while several of the J&A Service Funny Cars attempted runs before the rain ultimately halted further attempts.
Saturday promised a full schedule, with all classes except Pro Mod receiving two Qualifying test sessions leading up to the 4 PM Opening Ceremonies. Racing continued up until the curfew, providing a full day of competitive action.

Stroud Safety Pro Mod Highlights
#1 Qualifier: Mark Micke with a 3.576 Best Pass of the Race: Mark Micke, 3.647 in Round 2
Race Results: Brian Lewis claimed victory over Ron Muenks, with two blower cars competing in the Finals. This marked Brian Lewis’ first trip to the Finals, achieved by eliminating Ed Thornton, newcomer Dennis Hagedorn, #1 qualifier Mark Micke in the Semis, and #2 qualifier Ron Muenks. In addition to winning the class, Brian’s final pass was also a Personal Best of his career!
Ron Muenks claimed victory over Brian Lewis, with two blower cars competing in the Finals.
Racer Highlights:
Blake Housley: Returned to form after replacing his old tires.
Mark Micke: Swapped engines between Rounds 1 and 2, completing the entire process in just one hour, with the new engine running 21 minutes after entering the pits.
Wayne Roberts: Continues to improve, advancing to Round 2 by defeating Aaron Wells, the fourth quickest qualifier in the class.
Keith Goolsby: Drove 6 hours round trip to pick up replacement transmission.

J&A Service Top Alcohol Funny Car Highlights
#1 Qualifier: Jim Whiteley
Race Results: Defending Champion Steve Macklyn claimed victory over Lance Van Hauen, marking his second MWDRS event win of the season.
Racer Highlights:
Lance Van Hauen: Advanced to his first Funny Car finals with a bye.
Bob McCosh: Returned to MWDRS to use the event as a “test session” for the upcoming NHRA race at Flying H Dragstrip.

Icon Forged Piston/Race Star Wheels Top Dragster Highlights
#1 Qualifier: Anita Strasburg with a 3.749 ET
Race Results: Jeremy Maples secured his second class win of the season. Reflecting on his victory, Maples stated, “Our first trip to the new Flying H turned out great. I was very impressed with the new facility and the staff from both the track and MWDRS. From driving all night with my two boys snoring on the couch and pulling in at daybreak Saturday morning, to ending up on the bump at #16 qualifier, to breaking a rocker arm while driving up for the 2nd round, sometimes all the little things fall in your favor, and you have to take all the extra luck you can get. I’m thankful for my family and friends who support me, thankful for Darrell White and Cody Moore who took parts off their own car to get me by, and a shout-out to Keith Haney Racing who made it possible by loaning us tools to get the car fixed in a pinch. Sponsored by #HODGEAUTOGROUP.COM”
Racer Highlights:
Jordan Eperjesi: Claimed the Runner-Up spot, her second of the season.
Betsy and her family: Traveled 627 miles to race at Flying H.
Jordan Eaker: Pulled off a big upset by eliminating #1 qualifier Anita Strausburg in Round 2.

Performance Bearing Top Sportsman Highlights
#1 Qualifier: Macy Higgins, in his second appearance at MWDRS, with a 4.264
Race Results: Defending Champion Rod Moore secured his second win of the season. His nitrous-powered Straightline Racing Engines S10, featuring a whiskey barrel Holliday Distillers wrap, continues to dominate. Moore is one of two racers in contention to be the first to achieve a Three-Peat Championship within MWDRS.
Racer Highlights:
Tina Pierce: Qualified 6th with a 4.70 in the Nova after challenges with the Colorado. This was the first race for the Colorado equipped with wheelie bars and big tires.
Rod Moore: Benefited from opponents breaking after their passes, breaking the beams for two races, highlighting the tough competition in Top Sportsman.
James Huggett: New comer to Top Sportsman had a great time, qualifying 4th, but hurt the motor in his Eliminations race.

Champion AutoLift Pro 4.20 Highlights
#1 Qualifier: James Ogden, winner of the Throwdown in T-Town, qualified #1 with a PERFECT 4.200 remarking, “I was aiming for a low 4.21 but made a mistake.”
Race Results: Dave Pierce, the series creator and ambassador, claimed victory after Derrol Hubbard redlit in the final round. Dave still ran the pass and laid down a 4.210!
Racer Highlights:
7 Car Field: A competitive lineup marked the event.
Ryan Bush: Debuted his ‘69 Camaro equipped with a Musi 959 and a single stage of nitrous. In an interview, Bush stated his intention to “get the car sorted in Pro 4.20 this season, with plans to move to Pro Mod for the 2025 season.”
James Ogden: Struggled during Friday morning testing with runs of 4.199 and 4.197. They got the car dialed, submitting a perfect 4.200 to lock in #1 Qualifier.

Race Star Wheels Pro Junior Dragster Highlights
Winner: Olivia Mayer, won in a surprise race with a borrowed car. Her dad and Aaron Wells orchestrated the plan, secretly bringing her race suit and a car for her to use.
Runner-Up: Isaak Stephenson, who overcame a broken chain during his only Qualifying pass, placing him in the #10 Qualifier spot.
Racer Highlights:
Alexis Kesterson: The two-time defending champion was eliminated in Round 1 but later won the Slammers Class.
Isaak Stephenson: Overcame the odds despite breaking his chain during qualifying.

Zimmerman Properties Sportsman Junior Highlights
Winner: Haven Moberly
Runner-Up: Racin Mason Higgins
Racer Highlight:
Braylee Blevens and Team: Replaced the entire rear end between rounds, demonstrating impressive teamwork and determination.

For media inquiries, please contact: Ellen Eschenbacher / ellen@midwestpromodseries.com

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