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Every fall, after most of the touring series and sanctioning bodies have crowned champions, drag racing fans and racers from across the U.S. and even around the world turn their attention to Maryland International Raceway for the Haltech World Cup Finals – Import vs. Domestic presented by Wiseco. Celebrating 28 years this Oct. 30-Nov. 3, the Miller brothers’ World Cup Finals is a destination event bringing together competitors from across drag racing’s numerous corners.
As this year’s edition approaches, we’re taking a look at just a handful of the reasons why you should tune in to the World Cup Finals all weekend long on FloRacing.com.
1. World Record Attempts
Of course, all of the drivers pulling into the gates next week will be chasing a trophy and a big check, but many of them are also eyeing world records for their respective class or combination. Because of the rule packages and class structures, some of the most unique combinations in drag racing have a place to race at the World Cup Finals. Want to see the world’s quickest turbocharged, Subaru-powered Cadillac Escalade? It’s probably going to be at the World Cup Finals.
OK, so that might be a stretch, but there will be some record-setting machines in attendance. There’s at least one driver hoping to set a new record for quickest and fastest doorslammer in the quarter mile. The Pro Import record is also on the line, with some insiders predicting a pass in the 5.40-second range. It’s safe to predict that we’ll witness drag racing history this weekend.
2. Cameo Appearances From Your Favorite Drivers
As noted early, the World Cup Finals attracts drivers and teams from all over the sport, and often that includes drivers wheeling cars they’re not used to driving.
Just a couple years ago, Ken Quartuccio, known for success in Radial vs. the World, PDRA Pro Boost, and now NHRA Pro Mod, got the call to drive José Gonzalez’s 2JZ-powered Q80 Racing Toyota Corolla in Renegade vs. Modified, driving it well into the low 6s. Quartuccio had plenty of history at the World Cup Finals, but it was his first foray into the import world.
Just weeks after clinching the 2023 PDRA Extreme Pro Stock world championship, Alan Drinkwater rolled into MIR to drive the Titan Motorsports-fielded, 2JZ-powered “Vecna” Scion Pro Import entry. He qualified No. 7 in the Outlaw vs. Extreme field with a 5.84 at just over 250 MPH.
PDRA Pro Street standout Ty Kasper is on the entry list for Renegade vs. Modified, where he’ll attempt to put his turbocharged Victus Sports “Sinatra” Mustang into the 5-second zone. Tuned by his brother, TJ, and father Tom, both former Outlaw 10.5 standouts, Kasper has been testing extensively for this attempt and made multiple eighth-mile passes in the 3.90s to prepare.
3. ‘Cleetus McFarland’ is All In
Everyone’s favorite automotive YouTuber, Garrett “Cleetus McFarland” Mitchell, is also a legit drag racer with the trophies to prove it. He enters this year’s World Cup Finals as the defending event champion in Stick Shift, where he’ll once again compete for the $20,000 prize in his “Leroy” Corvette, which now sports a one-of-a-kind, Funny Car-style body. He’ll also chase a second Warriors vs. Tres Cuarto win in his turbocharged “Mullet” El Camino, which he drove to victory in 2022. Can Cleetus keep the streak going with a third WCF victory?
4. Record Fields in Several Classes
The resurgence of Xtreme Front-Wheel-Drive continues to build, as race officials announced a record number of XFWD entries. With 45 cars entered for a 32-car field paying $20,000 to win, it’s billed as the largest XFWD race in history. The entry list is a who’s-who lineup including Bradenton Motorsports Park owner Victor Alvarez in the iconic “Goldie,” Wes Spry, Ricky Silva, Nichole Elff, David Ngo, Bradley Dillon, Nelson Aleman, and more.
The headlining classes like Outlaw vs. Extreme, Renegade vs. Modified, and Warriors vs. Tres Cuarto are all bursting at the seems as well. Wait lists were established after entries sold out, and some big names have been moved up from the wait list to get a shot at WCF glory.
5. Naturally Aspirated Cars in Ideal Conditions
Sure, there are plenty of nitrous-fed and boosted hot rods competing at the World Cup Finals, but there are also plenty of naturally aspirated machines on the entry list. With atmospheric conditions expected to be the best many of these racers have seen all season, they’ll be able to push their all-motor entries to the max. Speaking of all-motor, All Motor is one of the classes in the lineup. Teddy Weaver is one of the entrants, and with four previous wins at the event, he’s certainly one to watch this year.
Plus, newly crowned 2024 PDRA Extreme Pro Stock world champion Chris Powers is back with his Sonny’s Racing Engines “Crowd Pleaser” ’21 Camaro in Renegade vs. Modified. Though he won’t be the first to do it, Powers is hoping to dip into the 3-second zone in the eighth mile with his Mountain Motor Pro Stock entry.
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Since 2005, DI has informed, inspired and educated drag racers from every walk of the racing life – weekend warrior and street/strip enthusiasts to pro-level doorslammer and Top Fuel racers. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-worthy videos to electric live events, DI meets hundreds of thousands of racers where they live, creating the moments that create conversations.
