As the 2024-25 Drag Illustrated Winter Series approaches, series officials have released the highly anticipated rules, regulations, and race format, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in drag racing history. Known for producing some of the best side-by-side drag racing in the world today, the World Series of Pro Mod, now the final round of the new three-race Drag Illustrated Winter Series, has earned a reputation for tight fields and heart-stopping action. This year promises to push the envelope even further.

In recent years, the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod (WSOPM) has consistently showcased just how competitive Pro Mod racing can be. In 2023, the 32-car field was separated by an astonishing .056 seconds, and in 2024, even with the addition of fresh faces and new combinations, the spread only widened to .066 seconds. These incredibly narrow margins have been the result of tireless efforts by the Winter Series team to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.

John Sears, Drag Illustrated Winter Series Competition Director, explained the driving force behind these adjustments: 

“The mission I was given was to create the closest racing and tightest fields in drag racing on any level. That was the stated goal from the onset, and in both 2023 and 2024, that’s exactly what we achieved—the tightest 32-car fields in the history of our sport.”

The approach taken by Sears and the team is meticulous, involving countless hours analyzing rules from other series, working closely with racers and crew chiefs, and reviewing data from across the industry. Sears emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every team, no matter their engine combination or power adder, arrives at Bradenton Motorsports Park with a belief that they can compete for the top prize.

“We pore over incremental times, scale sheets, and feedback from racers, all with the goal of creating an environment where racers from all points of the globe, with a variety of combinations, can come to Florida believing they have a shot at winning.”

The upcoming Winter Series, spread across three high-stakes events, is expected to produce the most competitive eighth-mile drag racing fans and racers will have ever witnessed. With drivers from around the world and a wide array of power-adders represented, the Winter Series has established itself as one of the last bastions of true Pro Mod diversity. It’s a testament to the series’ focus on parity, ensuring that every combination has a fair shot at success.

Mike Carpenter, Drag Illustrated Chief Operating Officer and integral to the rules development, highlighted the importance of maintaining this parity.

“Working with Wes, John, and Vic to create a ruleset that brings parity to our Pro Mod class at the Drag Illustrated Winter Series is something I’m very proud of. The DI Winter Series is one of the last remaining places where all Pro Mod combinations battle it out in one class for the ultimate prize in doorslammer drag racing."

Carpenter stressed that the team’s priority is making sure every racer feels they have an opportunity to win the moment they roll into the gates.

“We spend a ton of time and effort on these rules because they’re so critical to the success of our events. Every driver needs to know they have a shot at winning when they roll through the gates at Bradenton Motorsports Park, and that’s something we’ve consistently provided.”

Creating such a balanced and competitive environment is no easy feat. Vic Alvarez, the man behind Bradenton Motorsports Park, knows all too well the challenges of setting rules that maintain competitive balance across such a wide array of cars and power-adders. 

“The hardest part of the event planning for the Winter Series is arguably working on the rulesets. What makes these races so exciting is the side-by-side racing by every single power-adder combination known to man. I am extremely proud of how competitive we have made it, and we work day and night to keep it that way.”

The adjustments made for the 2024-25 season reflect the team’s dedication to maintaining the integrity and excitement of Pro Mod racing. The rules are a product of collaboration, careful consideration, and a commitment to ensuring the closest and most thrilling racing possible.

With the first race of the Winter Series set for December at Bradenton Motorsports Park, the scene is set for another season of unforgettable competition, where every team—whether new or experienced—has a shot at glory.

For more information and to view the complete set of rules, visit www.thewinterseries.com/race-format.

This story was originally published on October 25, 2024. Drag Illustrated