December 11, 2024

The 53rd Annual Snowbird Outlaw Nationals Presented by Motion Raceworks: NHRA Pro Mod Stars Shine at Drag Illustrated’s Winter Series Opener.

The drag racing world’s attention turned to Bradenton Motorsports Park for the 53rd Annual Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, the first of three events in Drag Illustrated’s highly anticipated Winter Series. With over 60 Pro Mod teams vying for glory, the stage was set for a battle of power, precision, and pride.

Pro Mod—arguably the hottest and most dynamic class in drag racing—brought unparalleled energy to the event. After a season filled with drama, comebacks, and fierce competition in the Congruity HR NHRA Pro Mod series, many familiar names returned to the 1/8th mile track. These guys have no quit in them. Snowbird’s offered a prime opportunity for these drivers to reassert their dominance as the 2024 season reached its final in Las Vegas in November.

Fierce Qualifying Competition

The path to Sunday’s 32-car field was anything but easy. Across four qualifying rounds, NHRA Pro Mod’s most prominent names battled to secure their spots. Here’s a breakdown of 2024 NHRA Pro Mod contenders and how they fared:

- Ken Quartuccio: Qualified 4th with a blazing 3.601 @ 208.94 MPH and a new Screw Blown Camaro.

- Chip King: Returned to form to secure the 9th position with a 3.613 @ 207.21 MPH.

- Stevie “Fast” Jackson: Qualified 10th with a 3.615 @ 208.65 MPH.

- Jerico Balduf: Returned to competition and landed in 23rd position with a 3.638 @ 207.37 MPH.

- Billy Banaka: Claimed 25th with a 3.639 @ 206.48 MPH.

- Travis Harvey (who subbed for Khalid AlBalooshi at the Carolina Nationals): Notched in at 28th with a 3.642 @ 206.89 MPH.

- Sidnei Frigo: Rounded the field in 31st with a 3.645 @ 205.19 MPH.

While several NHRA Pro Mod drivers made the tough field, notable DNQs include JR Gray, Stan Shelton, Kevin Rivenbark, Lyle Barnett, Dmitry Samarukov, and Jason Scruggs, underscoring the grueling nature of competition at Bradenton.

Elimination Round Drama

With the 32-car field set, eliminations began, and it was clear that no one was safe. Each round brought twists, upsets, and heart-pounding moments. Here’s a recap of key eliminations involving NHRA Pro Mod drivers:

- Ken Quartuccio continues to stamp his dominance by advancing to the final round. Before falling to Kye Kelley, his path to the finals included victories over heavyweights like Jeff Rudolf, Jason Lee, Travis Harvey, and Mark Micke.

- Billy Banaka was eliminated in the first round, losing to Erica Enders in a tough matchup.

- Jerico Balduf had an impressive run, knocking out Jay Santos and Jay Cox before being defeated by Mark Micke in Round 3.

- Travis Harvey took down Sidnei Frigo and Craig Sullivan before his road ended at the hands of Ken Quartuccio in Round 3.

- Chip King and Sidnei Frigo were eliminated in the first round by Jason Lee and Travis Harvey, respectively.

- Stevie Jackson, a fan favorite, faced a shocking first-round exit after falling to Mike Decker III.

Out of the 13 NHRA Pro Mod drivers who competed at the Snowbirds, eight advanced to Sunday’s show, demonstrating their resilience and skill in a competitive field.

Ken Quartuccio’s Standout Performance

No driver's weekend was as memorable as that of Scott Tidwell Racing's Ken Quartuccio. His impressive journey to the final round demonstrated why he is a formidable competitor. Quartuccio's ability to outlast elite drivers like Jason Lee, Travis Harvey, and Mark Micke showcased his mastery of Pro Mod strategy and performance. Although he ultimately lost to Kye Kelley in the final, Quartuccio's weekend was a strong statement that he is ready for the 2025 season.

Looking Ahead to the US Street Nationals

The next stop on Drag Illustrated’s Winter Series is the US Street Nationals, presented by M&M Transmissions, scheduled for January 23-26 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. With the momentum of the Snowbirds fresh in their minds, NHRA Pro Mod drivers will be eager to solidify their dominance.

Expect to see even more NHRA Pro Mod heavyweights throw their hats into the ring as the pressure mounts. For drivers like Dmitry Samarokov, Stan Shelton, Kevin Rivenbark, JR Gray, and the rest of the teams who proudly compete in NHRA Pro Mod, the upcoming event presents a new opportunity to build on their experiences from the 2024 Snowbirds. 

The 53rd Annual Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks lived up to its reputation as a can’t-miss event on the drag racing calendar. NHRA Pro Mod’s involvement only amplified the energy and competitiveness of the weekend. From breakout performances to shocking DNQs, every moment counted.

As the Winter Series marches on, all eyes are on Bradenton for the US Street Nationals. Will Ken Quartuccio’s momentum continue? Will drivers like Kevin Rivenbark, Lyle Barnett, Stan Shelton, JR Gray return with a vengeance? One thing’s for sure—the action will be relentless, and the Pro Mod spotlight will burn brighter than ever.