For Tyler Crossnoe, there’s something about Bristol Dragway that just feels different. As the PDRA Series Director prepares to lead the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series into Thunder Valley this weekend, he knows the Thunder Valley Throwdown isn’t just another stop on the calendar – it’s a proving ground, a fan favorite, and a place where the season begins to crystalize.
Crossnoe is still buzzing from the PDRA Northern Nationals in Martin, Michigan, a race he calls one of the most successful the series has ever staged. “It was our best crowd yet at Martin,” he said. “The racetrack is so fast, Samuel [Petersen] does an excellent job week in and week out. We walked away proud of that event – fans in the stands, great racing, everything you could want.”
The Michigan race also delivered one of the season’s defining moments, with Amber and Tommy Franklin meeting in the Pro Nitrous final. Amber came out on top, hanging on to the points lead in the process, but what stood out to Crossnoe was the grit and teamwork across the pits to get both cars staged after a weekend full of parts carnage. “So many teams helped them get to the line, and the fans showed their appreciation,” Crossnoe said. “That’s the kind of thing that makes our series special.”
Now attention turns to Bristol. With only two races left after the Throwdown, championship implications are magnified across nearly every class. “Man, like you said, it’s Bristol, baby. We’re here,” Crossnoe said with a grin. “Everybody knows you’ve got to bring your A-game when you roll up to the starting line here, because if you don’t, somebody else will.”
Pro Nitrous is a perfect example. The class has been razor-tight all season, with veterans and rising stars trading blows week after week. “I think the class is deeper than it’s been in years past,” Crossnoe said. “It continues to be one of the most impressive classes in drag racing. There are so many teams stepping up, and every round feels like a final.”
One storyline on everyone’s radar is how the nitrous cars will adapt to a recent 135-pound weight increase in PDRA Pro Street. “That’s the storyline of the weekend,” Crossnoe explained. “You’ve got a heavier race car to figure out on the starting line, and you’re doing it on the mountain where the air is different. How do the nitrous cars adjust? That’s what everyone wants to see.”
Crossnoe also pointed out that Bristol’s elevation creates unique conditions. The higher altitude tends to affect naturally aspirated cars more than boosted or nitrous-assisted machines, which could shuffle the deck as teams chase consistency. “It’ll be interesting to see what the elapsed times look like this week,” he said. “The mountain changes things, and the teams know it.”
Beyond the racing, Crossnoe sees the Thunder Valley Throwdown as a chance to showcase what makes PDRA different. “If you’re within driving distance, come check us out,” he said. “You’ll enjoy it, not only because it’s a special time to be at the racetrack, but because our racers love to meet the families and the kids. It’s a family atmosphere, and you’ll leave knowing you’ve been part of something special.”
The pre-entry numbers suggest the event will be one of the year’s biggest. Crossnoe expects 300 cars across all classes, from Jr. Dragster to Pro Line-powered headliners. Spectator demand is equally strong, with the series reporting its largest pre-sale numbers in recent memory. “We’re off to a great start already,” Crossnoe said. “The racing surface looks really good, the staff here has been incredible, and the fans in this area are fired up. Even around town, people are talking about the race. That’s cool. You don’t get that everywhere.”
For Crossnoe, it all comes back to the mystique of Thunder Valley. “I grew up in Tennessee, so I know how special this place is,” he said. “It’s just a cool place to race. The history, the scenery, the atmosphere – it’s Bristol. That’s all you need to say.”
As the PDRA rolls into Thunder Valley, the stage is set for another chapter in the series’ growing legacy. With packed fields, championship battles on the line, and one of drag racing’s most iconic venues as the backdrop, the Thunder Valley Throwdown promises to be a weekend fans and racers won’t soon forget.
This story was originally published on August 21, 2025. 
The post Tyler Crossnoe Talks PDRA Thunder Valley Throwdown first appeared on Drag Illustrated.