Tommy Hoskinson is no stranger to the drag strip. Raised on bracket racing, well-schooled in drag racing, the Ohio-based driver has spent his life chasing win lights. But this past weekend, he became something more – the first-ever Lil’ Gangstas points champion, walking away with the $5,000 payday and a Brian Tooley Racing sponsorship for 2026 to prove it.
The Lil’ Gangstas class – introduced in 2023 and drawing 77 cars for its debut – has quickly become one of the hottest tickets in drag racing. With roots in index racing but a vibe that leans heavily on no-time culture, it’s a pro tree, 5.30-index shootout where drivers don’t get time slips and the scoreboards stay dark. Racers are forced to “drive blind,” relying on instinct, experience, and – at best – a GPS-based Dragy device.
“The Lil’ Gangstas class has been a nice change of pace recently,” Hoskinson said. “Not every weekend do I wanna be running the car on the ragged edge at some of the most sketchy tracks in the country.”
The reinvention of index racing is intentional. Designed by class creators Jimmy Dale (Tom Gunner) and Michael Poland to be more accessible than heads-up, high-dollar racing – and a hell of a lot more exciting than the usual sportsman fare – Lil’ Gangstas has carved out a niche almost overnight. It’s already shared the stage with marquee events like the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, made noise at outlaw havens like Yello Belly, and is even being tested at Street Car Takeover Charlotte this weekend, hinting at an even bigger 2026 season.
For Hoskinson, the class plays right into his wheelhouse.
“Billy and I grew up bracket racing in junior dragsters when we were little, so index racing comes pretty natural to us. We watched and learned from my dad for years, and he was a great coach for us,” he said.
His consistency across the Speed Promotions & Racing mini-points series was unmatched – three finals in seven days, culminating with a Friday night final-round appearance at Beech Bend Raceway that locked up the title.
But Tommy isn’t just out here winning – he’s growing the game, too.
“I’m happy to be involved in the class, especially having a decent-sized [YouTube] channel,” he said. “People that might not understand the class can watch us break down our races and see just how interesting it is.”
As for the future?
“I’d love to see more points championships,” Hoskinson said. “It adds another layer of excitement, gives us something to chase.”
According to Michael Poland, who announced Hoskinson as the champ via Facebook, the class is just getting started.
“Tommy showed up ready to lock in the championship in Bowling Green. He managed to make it to the finals and secure the BTR championship, the $5,000 on the line, and the BTR sponsorship for the 2026 season,” said Poland. “Thank you to BTR & Speed Promotions Racing for this opportunity to showcase Lil Gangstas.”
Final 2025 BTR Lil’ Gangstas Points Series Standings:
- Tommy Hoskinson – 2000 pts
- Jimmy Dale – 1600 pts
- Billy Hoskinson – 1100 pts
- John Sahli – 900 pts
- Aiden Ellington – 800 pts
Whether it’s the appeal of a 5.30 index or the thrill of racing blind, Lil’ Gangstas is more than a class – it’s a movement. And at the center of it, at least for now, is Tommy Hoskinson.
This story was originally published on June 24, 2025.
The post Tommy Hoskinson Reflects on Scoring $5,000 Inaugural Brian Tooley Racing Lil’ Gangstas Points Series Title first appeared on Drag Illustrated.