if it pushes a team to take their program to the next level, then it’ s worth every penny.”

Freeman, whose Elite Motorsports operation includes six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders among its roster, sees the Elite Motorsports Million as more than a prize – it’ s a challenge.

“ This isn’ t for the faint of heart. You’ re going to have to beat the best, on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights,” Freeman continued.“ But somebody out there is going to do it – and I can’ t wait to shake their hand when they do.”

Bradenton Motorsports Park, the official home of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series and one of the most active dragstrips in the country, is undergoing a series of major facility upgrades this summer in anticipation of not only the Winter Series but their own signature events – including the highly anticipated FL2K in October.

“ This just adds to the already over-the-top

Elite Motorsports Million offers historic $ 1,000,000 to anyone who wins all three DI Winter Series races By Rob King

This unprecedented prize represents the largest single-performance-based payout in drag racing history, raising the stakes for the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals( Dec. 5 – 7, 2025), U. S. Street Nationals( Jan. 23 – 25, 2026), and the World Series of Pro Mod( Feb. 26 – 28, 2026).

“ This is about changing the trajectory of our sport,” said Wes Buck, founder of Drag IllustrateD and architect of the Winter Series.“ For too long, drag racers – legends and champions – have had to downplay their winnings when talking to peers in other forms of motorsports. That ends now. Drag racing deserves big numbers, and a million-dollar prize does more than get attention – it gets results. It motivates teams. It inspires dreams. And it tells the world we mean business.”

The announcement comes in partnership with Elite Motorsports, the powerhouse NHRA team and racing operation owned by Richard Freeman. Based in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Elite Motorsports is widely recognized for its Pro Stock dynasty and recent expansion into Pro Mod, Mountain Motor, and beyond.

“ Drag racing has given me everything, and I believe in giving back,” said Freeman.“ This is the kind of moment our sport needs – something big, bold, and damn near unbelievable. If putting up a million bucks helps one racer change their life,

excitement and atmosphere we’ re building at BMP,” said Vic Alvarez, owner of Bradenton Motorsports Park.“ We’ ve been investing heavily in improvements because we believe in the future of this place, and the Elite Motorsports Million makes that future even brighter. It’ s going to be electric.”

The Drag Illustrated Winter Series has quickly become one of the premier attractions in drag racing, drawing global participation and massive fan interest to Florida each winter. With the Elite Motorsports Million now attached, the 2025- 2026 season promises to be the most impactful in the series’ young history.

“ This isn’ t the last move we’ ll make,” added Buck.“ But it might be the most important one yet.” DI

Victor Alvarez Wes Buck Richard Freeman

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUKE NIEUWHOF

28 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 196