RODGER BROGDON
South Central Division and the effects have been
profound. Just 12 competitors showed up for the
opening race last March in Houston, a number
that swelled to 21 this year.
The trend followed suit in Dallas a month later,
where the number of racers in the class grew from
23 in 2018 to 36 this year. It’s hard to deny that
Brogdon’s infusion of cash hasn’t been the major
reason why and he believes that will continue
throughout the year. Class veteran Keith Mawhee
was the first beneficiary in Houston, pocketing
an extra $7,500 to his regular winnings thanks
to Brogdon’s generosity.
But Brogdon isn’t doing it for a pat on the back
or any notoriety that might come from the gener-
ous act. For him, it’s all about supporting a class
he loves and helping the sportsman racer.
“That’s all I needed,” Brogdon says. “I’m really
worried about the class. There’s a lot of classes,
but to me the overall participation is down. I’m
just trying to generate more interest in the class.
“I’ve always loved Competition Eliminator and
I was really trying to do something to increase
the exposure in the class, and hopefully the more
exposure will bring more guys out to race. So
far, it seems to be doing that. I’ve put up a lot of
money to try and make it work and the racers
have responded. It’s getting a lot of interest and
I’m happy with it.”
Brogdon returned to full-time racing in Pro
Stock this year after a lengthy layoff, intent on
also spreading his philanthropic wings as well. He
gave $5,000 to a lucky Pro Stock fan in Gaines-
ville and has plans for an even bigger giveaway
at the U.S. Nationals later this year.
Brogdon is also in the process of creating a
special Competition Eliminator bonus fund shirt,
with proceeds going to Drag Racing Association
of Women (DRAW). Brogdon hopes to sell 1,000
of those at $30 apiece, and his intent remains
on instilling as much excitement as he can into
the sportsman classes.
“It’s the backbone of NHRA drag racing, and
everybody has to start somewhere,” Brogdon
says. “Very few start right away in a professional
car. Most have to work their way up. To me, they
wouldn’t have NHRA drag racing without sports-
man racing.”
Brogdon got his start in Competition Elimina-
tor before he went to Pro Stock, and it’s a class
that remains close to his heart. It’s why he started
with that class this year, but he has hinted about
possibly doing something similar in Super Stock
next year if the program continues to be benefi-
cial. At that rate, it looks like a smashing success,
which may lead Brogdon to up the ante next year
and further a “spend money to make money” ap-
proach that has been a massive home run in 2019.
“I’m really hoping it works it out and if it does,”
Brogdon says, “I’ll do it again next year and make
it even better.”
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