Bradenton, Fla. – Drag Illustrated has announced the addition of the $25,000 Winter Series Wild Card Shootout to the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, further expanding race-day opportunities and reinforcing the Winter Series’ commitment to delivering the most competitive and inclusive Pro Modified program in drag racing.
The new Wild Card Shootout will feature qualifiers 33 through 64, paying $15,000 to win and contested over five full rounds of eliminations on race day at Bradenton Motorsports Park. In addition to the winner’s payout, the Wild Card Shootout will pay $5,000 to the runner-up and $2,500 to the semifinalists, offering $25,000 in total payouts.
The program replaces the Chicago-style shootout format previously utilized at WSOPM and represents a significant evolution in how Drag Illustrated approaches race-day competition.
“With the level of competition we’re seeing right now, the margins are razor thin,” said Wes Buck, founder and promoter of Drag Illustrated. “We routinely have 70-plus cars on property, and the difference between being No. 28 and No. 38 is often a few thousandths of a second. Our goal has always been to involve as many quality race teams as possible on race day, and the Wild Card Shootout is a direct reflection of that.”
Buck emphasized that the move is about more than just prize money – it’s about creating additional storylines, value, and energy throughout the weekend.
“This gives us another true race within the race,” Buck said. “Five rounds, real money on the line, and a field stacked with cars that are absolutely capable of winning on any given run. I think it’s going to add a ton of intensity and excitement to race day at the World Series of Pro Mod.”
The Wild Card Shootout will debut at WSOPM and is expected to become a standard component of all Drag Illustrated Winter Series events beginning with the 2026-27 season, further expanding opportunities for racers across the entire three-race series.
Bradenton Motorsports Park owner Vic Alvarez echoed the importance of the program as the Winter Series continues to grow.
“The Winter Series has become something special because it’s racer-focused and constantly evolving,” Alvarez said. “Adding the Wild Card Shootout is another example of Drag Illustrated and Bradenton Motorsports Park finding ways to create more opportunity, more value, and more excitement for the teams that support this series. That’s how you keep something growing and moving forward.”
As the Drag Illustrated Winter Series approaches the conclusion of its second full season, Buck says the addition of the Wild Card Shootout reflects a broader mindset within the organization.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far this series has come and what it’s evolved into – without question, the most competitive space in drag racing today,” Buck said. “But we’re not satisfied. Our commitment is to our racers and our fans, and we’re going to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep raising the bar every chance we get.”
This story was originally published on February 2, 2026. 
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