PHOTOGRAPHS BY MILISSA MARTINI, DANNY STOGNER |
Miller’ s other signature property, the World Cup Finals – Import vs. Domestic at Maryland International Raceway, has developed into an international phenomenon. The 2026 edition marks the event’ s 30th running, with more than 50,000 fans expected and hundreds of heads-up racers from more than 10 countries competing across 13 classes for more than $ 275,000 in cash and awards.
A major piece of Miller’ s formula is creating rules that allow combinations from different series and disciplines to meet on common ground. That approach has made WCF a rare crossover event where imports, domestic small-tire cars, Pro Mod-style combinations, and other heads-up machines can all share the spotlight.
Miller is also known for his attention to track prep, with both XDA and WCF producing record-setting performances year after year.
Whether building a national home for motorcycle racers or packing Maryland International Raceway for one of drag racing’ s biggest annual events, Miller has repeatedly proven that specialized racing can have massive appeal.
– NATE VAN WAGNEN
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Jacob Harper
A longtime racer and promoter, Jacob“ Big Jake” Harper built Big Jake Promotions around the raw energy and personalities that make grudge and No Time racing so unique. What began with an event in Shreveport, Louisiana, ultimately turned into the Southern No Time Nationals held in Ferris, Texas, which has grown into one of small-tire racing’ s marquee events. By 2024, Harper was offering more than six figures in purse money across the event, and in 2025, he included a $ 200,000-to-win Bear Shit Only Invitational Shootout.
Harper’ s ability to attract grudge racers and maintain a loyal following has earned respect from fellow promoters across the sport. He is well-known as a strong grassroots
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Tyler Bohannon and Brian Whitworth
Tyler Bohannon( right) and Brian Whitworth have built TB Promotions into one of big-money bracket racing’ s most recognizable event brands by approaching promotion from the racer’ s side of the gate.
Both came into the business as competitors, and that perspective has shaped TB Promotions since its launch in 2020. Their goal has been straightforward: put on the kinds of races they would want to attend themselves, with substantial purses, solid facilities, and a racer-first experience. That formula has allowed TB Promotions to expand rapidly from a handful of events into a multi-race schedule at tracks across the country.
Their 2026 calendar illustrates the scale of that growth, with events featuring $ 50,000, $ 75,000, $ 100,000 and even $ 250,000-to-win main events at venues including Virginia Motorsports Park, Darana Raceway, Beech Bend Raceway Park, and US 131 Motorsports Park.
Bohannon has also continued to prove himself behind the wheel. A longtime Stock, Super Stock, and bracket racer, he added another major accomplishment in 2026 by winning the Spring Fling Million, further reinforcing the credibility he and Whitworth bring to their promotional efforts.
The pair’ s importance comes from giving bracket racers more places to compete for meaningful money on major stages. By combining firsthand racing experience with increasingly ambitious event promotion, Bohannon and Whitworth have created another strong outlet for one of drag racing’ s largest and most dedicated segments. – NATE VAN WAGNEN
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promoter making his presence known in the everchanging landscape of drag racing events. Harper’ s events continue pushing N / T racing toward bigger purses and greater visibility.
In 2026, Harper moved his marquee events to No Problem Raceway in Louisiana and joined forces with Justin Swanstrom on a multirace N / T points concept designed to bring additional structure and excitement for racers and race fans. Harper understands what his racers want because he comes directly from their world. His authenticity in the sport of drag racing speaks for itself. And as N / T racing continues to evolve, Harper is doing everything in his power to help show everyone just how big it can become. – MADELYN ZARON
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Corey Stamper
Many drag racing fans may know Corey Stamper from his incredibly popular King of the South Small-Tire Invitational, which occurred earlier this year for the third time as part of the Ronnie Buff Memorial at Shadyside Dragway in Shelby, North Carolina. While Mother Nature unfortunately cut this year’ s race short, it didn’ t dampen the popularity of the event.
Last year, a capacity crowd that forced the fire marshal to come and close the gates on Saturday watched Larry Larson take home the crown and $ 75,000 in the 64-car field battling it out on 28x10.5 tires.
But while Stamper has turned King of the South into his marquee event, he’ s been involved with the sport as both a promoter and media outlet for well over a decade. As the owner of Spoold Media, he’ s provided event photography, live feeds, and video coverage for 12 years now. On average, he covers 45-55 races per year. If that sounds exhausting, it is. Stamper says he wouldn’ t have it any other way, though.
“ It can be a war of attrition throughout the year, but it’ s my day job, so I can’ t be mad at it. And I’ ll
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September / October 2026 |
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