The 2025 Radial Outlaws Racing Series (RORS) schedule has been announced, bringing an exciting lineup of events that promises to push small-tire drag racing to new heights. Among the highlights is the addition of the Shakedown at M-Town, an iconic race now slated for U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, from May 29-31. Known for its top-tier racing surface and premier facilities, U.S. 131 provides the perfect home for this storied event, now entering its 22nd year.
Donald “Duck” Long, the visionary promoter behind RORS and a driving force in the growth of small-tire drag racing, is thrilled about the Shakedown’s inclusion in the series. Long’s career has been defined by his commitment to giving radial racers the recognition they deserve, a mission that continues with the addition of this landmark event.
“I’ve always believed in giving racers a stage worthy of their talent, and U.S. 131 Motorsports Park is exactly that,” Long said. “The Shakedown has always been about bringing the best small-tire racers together, and this track’s reputation for hooking hard makes it the perfect place to carry on that tradition. We’re taking this event to the next level.”
As the Shakedown embarks on this new chapter, Long expressed his gratitude to Tyler Crossnoe and the team at Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP), which hosted the event in recent years. Under their leadership, the Shakedown solidified its place as a must-attend event, earning widespread respect in the drag racing community.
“Tyler and the VMP team have done an incredible job with the Shakedown,” Long said. “They’ve been instrumental in keeping this event at the forefront of small-tire racing, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done to build the legacy we’re continuing in 2025.”
The Shakedown’s addition reflects Long’s long-standing dedication to elevating small-tire drag racing. Known for transforming the way radial racing is treated, Long was among the first to put these competitors on equal footing with big-tire classes. This philosophy has driven the success of his signature events, including the legendary “Lights Out” and “No Mercy” races, which have become staples of the drag racing calendar.
“When we started this, radial guys were parked in the weeds, racing for pennies. That didn’t sit right with me,” Long explained. “We flipped the script—put them on the concrete, gave them the spotlight, and paid them what they deserved. It’s why we’re here today.”
The 2025 RORS season begins in January with the U.S. Street Nationals in Bradenton, Florida, and includes marquee events such as Radial Revolution in February and the Battle for the Thrones in March. The Shakedown at M-Town in late May will be a key highlight, bringing together the best small-tire racers from around the world to compete in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. Each race on the calendar showcases the intense competition and camaraderie that have made small-tire drag racing a global phenomenon.
David Hance, who built the Shakedown into an industry-defining event, laid the foundation for its continued success. Long is determined to carry that legacy forward. “We’re building on what David Hance started with the Shakedown, taking it to a place where it can thrive for years to come,” Long said. “This is more than a race—it’s about keeping a tradition alive and giving racers and fans something truly special.”
Long’s commitment to racers extends beyond the track, with personalized trophies, on-the-spot payouts, and a level of attention to detail that has earned him unmatched loyalty in the sport. His approach has made the Radial Outlaws Racing Series the premier destination for small-tire competitors.
The 2025 schedule also includes the Bama Outlaws in Alabama and No Mercy 16 at South Georgia Motorsports Park in October, with each event promising to deliver high-octane excitement and unforgettable moments for fans and racers alike.
The Shakedown at M-Town represents a new chapter in the Radial Outlaws Racing Series’ story, with U.S. 131 Motorsports Park ready to welcome the small-tire drag racing community to its world-class facilities. Long’s vision continues to drive the sport forward, ensuring its place at the forefront of the drag racing world.
This story was originally published on December 3, 2024. 
The post Donald Long Unveils Radial Outlaws Drag Racing Series 2025 Schedule, Welcomes Shakedown at M-Town first appeared on Drag Illustrated.