International Hot Rod Association - Summit Sportsman News

Fulcher, Minton, Eaton, Chandler, Grooms Take IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Wins at Beacon Dragway

2024-04-28T12:07:42-05:00

PADUCAH, KY — Drivers in five classes raced to prestigious wins at the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering on Saturday at Beacon Dragway.

Defending track champion Isaac Fulcher (Box), Justin Minton (No Box), Chad Eaton (Sportsman), Kasey Chandler (Junior Dragster) and Jessie Grooms (Teen Street) were the winners at the Western Kentucky drag strip.

Race winners in the Box, No Box, Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes, who are IHRA members, are now eligible to compete for even bigger prizes at the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering if they enter at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Fulcher had an incredible .002 start to defeat Gary Benton in the ADP Carbs Super Pro (Box) final. Fulcher then posted a 5.962 second pass at 120 mph on a 5.94 dial-in. Benton, who had a good .024 reaction time, finished in 6.03 seconds at 113.46 mph on a 6.00 dial-in.

(Box Winner — Isaac Fulcher)

(Box Runner-Up — Gary Benton)

Minton posted a winning effort of 6.068 seconds at 108.02 mph on a 6.04 dial-in in the BTE No Box class. Runner-up David Broy was a little closer to his 6.04 dial-in with a 6.069-second pass at 113.46 mph, but Minton had the .034 to .050 advantage at the tree.

(No Box Winner — Justin Minton)

Eaton was spot on in the Hoosier Tire / Rupert Carbs Sportsman final with a 7.468-second pass at 89.59 mph on a 7.46 dial-in. He also won the holeshot .036 to .109 over his final-round opponent Larry Hall. Hall went down the drag strip in 11.040 seconds against a 10.91 dial-in.

(Sportsman Winner — Chad Eaton)

Chandler took the Mohler Maintenance Junior Dragster final with a 7.936-second run at 81.68 mph. Both drivers triggered red lights, but Connor Bledsoe ended up runner-up after being just -.001 too quick at the start.

(Junior Dragster Winner — Kasey Chandler)

(Junior Dragster Runner-Up — Connor Bledsoe)

There was a special Teen Street race which Grooms won when final-round opponent Tyler Cromer fouled at the start. Grooms went ahead for a 10.094-second pass at 70.49 mph. Cromer posted a run of 9.394 seconds at 74.37 mph.

(Teen Street Winner — Jessie Grooms)

The IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering is scheduled to return May 11 at Gleason Raceway Park.

Russell, Brock, Sansenbaugher, Pruett Score Victories at IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser at South Carolina Motorplex

2024-04-28T10:00:16-05:00

ORANGEBURG, SC — South Carolina Motorplex hosted the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering on Saturday night and a quartet of racers pulled off the big victories.

Vernon Russell Jr. (Box), Aaron “Hot Rod” Brock (No Box), Evan “Race King” Sansenbaugher (Sportsman) and Kaden Pruett (Junior Dragster) took home prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies, commemorate IHRA Sportsman Spectacular medals and the popular big checks for their winning efforts.

Race winners, who are IHRA members, are now eligible to compete for even bigger prizes at the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering if they enter at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Russell drove his Chevrolet Nova to the $1,500 winner in the Top ET (Box) class as final-round opponent Keith Taylor left early. It allowed Russell to take a pass of 6.746 seconds at 78.52 mph. Taylor went down the drag strip in 6.415 seconds at 99.15 mph.

(Box Winner — Vernon Russell Jr.)

(Box Runner-Up — Keith Taylor)

Brock parked his fire-engine red Chevy S-10 in the winner’s circle for No Box with a package that included a 6.691-second pass at 90.13 mph on a 6.61 dial-in. Runner-up Curly DeLee, the previous owner of Dorchester Dragway, went 8.453 seconds at 83.76 mph on an 8.40 dial-in. Brock won the holeshot with a .029 to .071 advantage at the tree.

(No Box Winner — Aaron Brock)

(No Box Runner-Up — Curly DeLee)

Sansenbaugher had an eventful day, making it to the third round of No Box eliminations in his brown Mopar and then driving on to the Sportsman victory. He put together a winning package of 7.913 seconds at 81.62 mph against a 7.91 dial-in with a .017 start. Runner-up Andy Chavis went 7.673 seconds at 90.07 seconds on a 7.67 dial-in with a .080 reaction time.

(Sportsman Winner — Evan Sansenbaugher)

(Sportsman Runner-Up — Andy Chavis)

Pruett continues to build his reputation as one of the best Junior racers around with an elapsed time of 7.193 seconds and 74.91 mph on a 7.19 dial-in. He also got a big advantage of .112 to .207 at the start over second-place Jaxon Romanstine. The numbers for Romanstine showed an 8.097-second run at 77.98 mph with an 8.05 dial-in.

(Junior Dragster Winner — Kaden Pruett)

(Junior Dragster Runner-Up — Jaxon Romanstine)

Jeff Mcalhany (Box), Patrick McCabe (No Box) and Dalton Farman (Sportsman) were prize winners in the Moser Money Round.

Congratulations to all the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular winners at South Carolina Motorplex. Another big race is coming up in the Palmetto State next Saturday as the legendary Darlington Dragway hosts the IHRA Hot Rod Classic.

Gleason Raceway Park Releases Details for Upcoming IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering

2024-04-25T14:34:43-05:00

GLEASON, TN — Gleason Raceway Park is scheduled to host the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering in two weeks on Saturday, May 11.

Racers in five classes — Super Pro (Box), Pro (No Box), Sportsman, Motorcycle and Junior Dragster — have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophy at each event as well as the coveted oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals in addition to their winnings.

These racers can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning an exclusive Sportsman Spectacular main event in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. Current IHRA membership is required.

Payouts have been announced with Sunoco Race Fuels, Triple JJJ Truck Repair and Team RFC “Racers for Christ” joining Moser Engineering in support of this event.

The Box and No Box racers are competing for a $1,200 winner’s purse and $300 to the runner-up. There’s a $50 entry fee. The Sportsman class offers $500 to the winner with a $30 entry. There’s also a $30 entry for the Motorcycle class with 80 percent payback of entry fees.

Junior Dragsters will race for a $200 winner’s purse with a $25 entry fee. There’s also a Teen Street race for ages 13-17 with $50 to the winner and a free entry. There’s also going to be a Ladies Only Class with free entry. It’s a celebration of the ladies on Mother’s Day weekend.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and time trials begin at noon. It’s only a $10 spectator admission with kids 12-under admitted free.

Click here for the Gleason Raceway Park Facebook page. Make sure you take advantage of all the benefits of becoming an IHRA member. Click here to visit the IHRA membership center. You may also call 85.JOIN.IHRA where our membership coordinator Heather Roth will help get you on track.

Racers Have Big Opportunities with IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering

2024-04-24T09:10:49-05:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, MO — The busiest stretch of the season for the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering gets underway this weekend.

It’s a doubleheader weekend with races at South Carolina Motorplex and Beacon Dragway. Overall, there are seven IHRA Sportsman Spectacular events over the next six weeks.

There is the IHRA Hot Rod Classic at Darlington Dragway the following week before four straight weekends of races. Gleason Raceway Park hosts the Sportsman Spectacular on May 11, followed by Kil-Kare Raceway on May 18.

Another doubleheader weekend takes place May 25 with races at Dragway 42 and Music City Raceway. The stretch concludes with June 1 races at Humboldt County Dragway.

What does all this mean for the racers?

It’s more opportunities than ever before to qualify for the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering. In addition, racers will compete for prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies and the very popular oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals.

Racers can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning the main event in the Box, No Box, Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Current IHRA membership is required, and each event is tailored to the host track’s racing programs.

Make sure you’re ready to take advantage of all the benefits of competing in these events, like being eligible for contingency bonuses as an IHRA member. Click here to visit our membership or call 85.JOIN.IHRA where IHRA membership coordinator Heather Roth will help make the process smooth and easy.

IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering to Feature Doubleheader Weekend

2024-04-22T15:29:25-05:00

HOUSE SPRINGS, MO — Drag racing will take a page from baseball this weekend with an exciting doubleheader scheduled for the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering.

Racers on the East Coast have the opportunity to compete at South Carolina Motorplex, while Beacon Dragway in Kentucky gives others great chances to race for big checks and great prizes like the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies and limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals.

Other terrific opportunities await as racers can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning the main event in the Box, No Box, Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. Current IHRA membership is required.

Trailer Ranch LLC will serve as an event sponsor at South Carolina Motorplex with a $1,500-to-win and $80 entry fee for the Top (Box) race. The Mod (No Box) class features a $1,000 winner’s purse and $60 to enter. Sportsman (Street) and Junior Dragster classes offer $300 to the winner with a $40 entry fee.

Spectator tickets are $20 with kids 12-under admitted free.There is a test-and-tune Friday night before Saturday’s main event. It’s a jam-packed weekend as Sunday features a full day of IHRA Summit SuperSeries points races. Click here to check out the South Carolina Motorplex Facebook page.

Beacon Dragway offers a $1,500-to-win top prize and $60 entry fee in the APD Carbs Super Pro (Box) class for Saturday. There is a $1,300 winner’s purse and $50 entry fee in the BTE No Box class. Both the Hoosier Tire / Rupert Carbs Sportsman and the Mohler Maintenance Junior Dragster classes feature $600-to-win with a $30 entry fee.

Spectator tickets are $10 each with kids 12-under admitted free. Click here to check out the Beacon Dragway Facebook page with IHRA Summit SuperSeries points races the next couple of Saturdays, followed by the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular

Be sure to take advantage of the weekend and enjoy all the benefits of being an IHRA member. Click here to visit our membership or call 85.JOIN.IHRA where our friendly IHRA membership coordinator Heather Roth can take you through the process of getting you on track.

South Carolina Motorplex Gearing Up to Host IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering

2024-04-11T08:43:23-05:00

ORANGEBURG, SC — The excitement builds as South Carolina Motorplex gets ready to host the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering in two weeks on Saturday, April 27.

It’s a great opportunity for racers from the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia to compete at the Orangeburg, SC track conveniently located near Interstates 26 and 95.

Racers can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning an exclusive Sportsman Spectacular main event in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the 2024 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. Current IHRA membership is required.

IHRA members racing in the Top (Box), Mod (No Box), Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophy at each event as well as the coveted oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals in addition to their winnings. Payouts for the event will be announced soon.

Racers will also have the chance to meet IHRA President Mel Roth, who will be on site for the event.

You can go here to check out the South Carolina Motorplex Facebook page for the latest updates to this and other events. To become an IHRA member, click here to visit the IHRA membership center. You may also call 85.JOIN.IHRA where our membership coordinator Heather Roth will help get you on track.

Beacon Dragway to Host IHRA Sportsman Spectacular in Two Weeks

2024-04-09T16:32:00-05:00

PADUCAH, KY — Great opportunities await racers when Beacon Dragway hosts the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering on April 27.

Racers in Box, No Box, Sportsman, Junior Dragster and Teen Street classes will compete for prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies and the very popular oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals.

There are big opportunities as racers can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning the main event in the Box, No Box, Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. Current IHRA membership is required.

Each event is tailored to the host track’s racing programs with a $1,500-to-win top prize and $60 entry fee in the APD Carbs Super Pro (Box) class. There is a $1,300 winner’s purse and $50 entry fee in the BTE No Box class. Both the Hoosier Tire / Rupert Carbs Sportsman and the Mohler Maintenance Junior Dragster classes feature $600-to-win with a $30 entry fee.

Be sure to enjoy all the benefits of being an IHRA member. Click here to visit our membership or call 85.JOIN.IHRA where our friendly IHRA membership coordinator Heather Roth can take you through the process of getting you on track.

Young, Ault, Bigham, Markham Family Capture Wins at IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser at Knoxville Dragway

2024-03-31T13:26:10-05:00

MAYNARDVILLE, TN — Five racers including a former IHRA World Champion hit the right notes to take home victories at Saturday’s IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering at Knoxville Dragway.

Denise Young, Alfred Ault, David Bigham, Dalton Markham and Caeson Markham earned IHRA Ironman trophies, oversized championship checks, limited-edition medals and entry into the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange as long as they enter at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

IHRA members Young, Bigham and Dalton Markham all punched their tickets to the World Finals. Young won the Box final on a holeshot with a .003 reaction time to best final-round opponent Ken Hebert who had a solid .031 start. She posted a 4.781-second run at 141.68 mph on a 4.77 dial-in. Hebert finished in 4.862 seconds at 132 mph on a 4.83 dial-in.

(Box Winner — Denise Young)

(Box Runner-Up — Ken Hebert)

Another great start helped determine the No Box final with Ault getting off the line at .009 to a .113 reaction time for Robert Hindman. Ault made a pass of 6.786 seconds at 99.48 mph, while Hindman powered down the track in 6.164 seconds at 97.39 mph.

(No Box Winner — Alfred Ault)

(No Box Runner-Up — Robert Hindman)

Bigham, the 2021 IHRA Summit SuperSeries Sportsman World Champion, was the winner as final-round Chester Lay broke out. Both drivers had .075 reaction times, while Bigham’s winning run included a 7.784 elapsed time at 81.37 mph against a 7.55 dial-in. Lay finished in 11.702 seconds at 60.28 mph with an 11.75 dial.

(Sportsman Winner — David Bigham)

(Sportsman Runner-Up — Chester Lay)

There were strong contingent of racers in all the classes including Sportsman and Motorcycle. There was an All-Markham Motorcycle final. Dalton Markham was the winner on the Bikes, going down the strip in 6.346 seconds at 70.25 mph against a 5.47 dial-in with a .015 reaction time. His father, John Markham, red-lighted by going just -.001 too quick at the start.

(Motorcycle Winner — Dalton Markham)

Caeson Markham, John's younger son, added to the family’s big haul with his Junior Dragster victory. Caeson had a .018 start to get the holeshot over Gage Blair with a .063 reaction time. Markham’s efforts included a 7.952-second run at 81.02 mph against a 7.92 dial-in. Blair posted an 8.006 elapsed time at 77.63 mph to go along with a 7.92 dial-in.

(Junior Dragster Winner — Caeson Markham)

(Junior Dragster Runner-Up — Gage Blair)

Special thanks to Red Line Motorsports Media for providing photos for this event. Photos can be found and purchased at the following link: https://redlinemotorsportsmedia.smugmug.com/IHRA-Sportsman-Spectactular-KNOXVILLE

The IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering returns April 27 with events at Beacon Dragway and South Carolina Motorplex.

One Month Until IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering Races at Beacon Dragway, South Carolina Motorplex

2024-03-27T14:36:10-05:00

PADUCAH, KY — The International Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering hits high gear in one month with races at Beacon Dragway and South Carolina Motorplex.

Both events give drivers great opportunities to race for big prizes and even bigger rewards into the future.

IHRA members racing in the Top (Box), Mod (No Box) and Junior Dragster classes have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophy at each event as well as the coveted oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals in addition to their winnings.

Details of each IHRA Sportsman Spectacular will be released soon as each event remains tailored to the host track’s racing programs. Sportsman and Motorcycle classes could also be contested.

Charlie Lockhart, who represented Beacon Dragway in the No Box class at the 2023 IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals, is off to another great start at the Paducah, KY track with back-to-back wins over the last two Saturdays. Justin Minton (Box), William Thurston (Sportsman) and Brantley Forrester (Junior Dragster) also won March 23 races.

Unfortunately, rain washed out action at South Carolina Motorplex last Saturday. But, there was racing the IHRA Summit SuperSeries racing the previous Saturday. Guy Farman (Box), Rickie Dunn (Mod), Lavern Williams Jr. (Sportsman) and Stanton McCallister (Junior Dragster) moved to the points lead after the first race at the Orangeburg, SC facility.

Keep up to date with the IHRA.com website and each track’s Facebook page for more information about these IHRA Sportsman Spectacular events. Click here for the Beacon Dragway page, and here for the South Carolina Motorplex page.

Knoxville Dragway to Host IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering in One Week

2024-03-22T11:01:46-05:00

MAYNARDVILLE, TN — Racers in the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas have the chance to compete for big checks, big money and an even bigger opportunity when the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser Engineering comes to Knoxville Dragway.

It will be the first time the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular has come to an East Tennessee drag strip. Drivers in Super Pro (Box), No Box, Sportsman, Motorcycle and Junior Dragster classes will compete for prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies and the very popular oversized championship checks. IHRA members will also be in the running for limited-edition Sportsman Spectacular commemorative medals.

This can lead to an even bigger opportunity for racers who can gain entry to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals presented by Strange Engineering by winning the main event in one of the aforementioned classes in conjunction with entering at least two other IHRA races (an IHRA-member track Summit SuperSeries team race or Sportsman Spectacular) before the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. Current IHRA membership is required.

The Super Pro (Box) class sponsored by Keith Window Company is guaranteed $3,000-to-win, but the winner’s purse increases to $4,000 with 50-plus cars and $5,000 with 60-plus cars. Entry is $100 for a single car or $175 for double entries with a $50 buyback.

No Box racers sponsored by David Collins Trucking LLC will contend for a $1,500-to-win top prize. It increases to $1,750 with 40-plus cars and $2,000 with 50-plus cars. It’s a $60 entry fee with $100 for double entries and a $30 buyback.

Motorcycles will race for a $500 winner’s purse, while the Sportsman and Junior Dragster classes pay $300 to the winner. Gates open at 8 a.m. with timed runs to begin at 11 a.m. Spectator tickets are $15 and kids 10-under are admitted free.

You can go here to check out the Knoxville Dragway Facebook page for the latest updates to this and other events. To become an IHRA member, click here to visit our membership or call 85.JOIN.IHRA where our friendly IHRA membership coordinator Heather Roth can take you through the process of getting you on track.