Mon, 14 Jul 2025, 11:16 AM Palmer, McIntire and Others Make History at IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Opener

Courtesy of IHRA Communications Photo copyright 2025 IHRA

Scott Palmer and team celebrate win.

HEBRON, Ohio - Scott Palmer and Mike McIntire made history as the first Top Fuel and Funny Car winners in the new IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series at Darana Raceway.

Both of them earned the $50,000 prize and the prestigious IHRA Ironman trophies as the races at the beautiful Ohio track were live streamed on IHRA.TV.

Palmer had a winning effort of 3.958 seconds and 314.24 mph to beat Krista Baldwin's 4.125-second elapsed time at 293.28 mph in the final round. It was a long time coming for Palmer, who previously won an IHRA Top Fuel final at Milan, Michigan in 2008.

Both Palmer and Baldwin, the granddaughter of the legendary Chris "The Greek" Karamesines were strong at the start in a side-by-side drag race. Driving the Professional Bull Riders dragster, Palmer rocketed down the drag strip in less than half the time of a qualified bull ride.

According to Palmer, he saved his best performance behind the wheel for last.

"I've been doing a terrible job driving all weekend," Palmer said. "I just couldn't keep my foot on the floor like a beginner. I had to step it up, and luckily my clutch work was good."

Mike McIntire and team celebrate win

McIntire was No. 1 qualifier and he continued to set the pace throughout the weekend in Funny Car. McIntire got the .020 advantage at the starting tree, and then posted a run of 4.166 seconds at 293.41 mph to win Sunday's final. It was needed with former IHRA World Champion Del Worsham charging down the track at 4.160 seconds and 305.56 mph.

"It's crazy, it's insane, I love IHRA and I love racing Del," McIntire said. "This is for my dad. He passed away earlier this year. We did this together. To come out here, I can't even describe it."

Frankie "Mad Man" Taylor had plenty of reason to be happy at the end of Pro Mod eliminations. Mike DiDomenico shut his Corvette off at the tower, leaving Taylor to make a winning solo run at 3.726 seconds and 199.64 mph.

Taylor was consistent throughout the weekend with runs of 3.69, 3.70 and 3.71 in earlier rounds. He paid tribute to IHRA Hall of Famer Scotty Cannon after the win.

"How fitting it is to win on Scotty Cannon's birthday," Taylor said. "Thanks to (IHRA Owner and CEO) Darryl Cuttell for putting all this together and bringing IHRA back. We pour our hearts and souls into this."

Larry Morgan picked up the win in Pro Stock when final-round opponent Derrick Reese was two-tenths too quick at the start. Both cars were shaking the tires hard, and despite Reese's foul, Morgan's Chevy Camaro went ahead and made a run down the track.

"I haven't raced in a while, but to come here and win this race is pretty special for everybody," Morgan said. "I just drive this car. We're excited for all the people here."

Bob Malloy paced the Top Fuel Harley field with a winning run of 5.340 seconds and 204.01 mph in the final round. Jay Turner was the runner-up with a 5.491-second pass at 193.29 mph.

Jerry Tucker's .024 reaction time advantage over Chris Powers proved the difference in a competitive Mountain Motor Pro Stock final. Otherwise, they were close to equal with Tucker with a 4.120 elapsed time and 174.89 mph. Powers posted a 4.122 run at 174.26 mph.

Tony Wilson triumphed in an exciting Pro Nitrous final as the front end of opponent Dale Brinsfield's car went up in the air late in the run, slammed back down and the chutes deployed. Wilson powered ahead with 3.790 run at 201.64 mph for the win.

Jackie Fricke combined a .006 reaction time with the 5.520-second run at 267.53 mph to win the Top Alcohol Dragster final. Mike Coughlin, who had a .028 reaction time, was runner-up with a run of 5.606 seconds and 262.74 mph.

Canadian racer Stan Sipos powered to the close victory over Phil Esz in the Top Alcohol Funny Car final. The British Columbia went down the track in 5.505 seconds at 264.03 mph in a side- by-side battle with Esz who finished in 5.496 seconds at 262.28 mph.

After the incredible opener, the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series is scheduled to return July 23-26 at Milan Dragway in Michigan.

Pro-Am Finals Close Out Huge Weekend at IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series Opener
Pro-Am final rounds capped off an amazing weekend at the debut of the new IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series at Darana Raceway.

Jimmy Fallon finished off a huge week for himself in Top Sportsman with a 6.393-second winning run in his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. Final-round opponent Chris Osborn finished in 6.686 seconds. Fallon also enjoyed a .023 to .028 advantage at the starting tree.

Matt Dadas found the winning formula in Super Stock, dead-on with his 9.940-second dial and a .025 reaction time. Bob Marshall went 9.435 on a 9.46 dial-in after leaving the starting line with a .053 reaction time.

Steve Tucholsky took the Stock Eliminator win over Scott Dziomy. Tucholsky had the better start .035 to .052, and posted a 10.682 elapsed time. Dziomy went down the drag strip at 11.952 seconds.

Jamie Elrod won on a holeshot against Donnie Hardman in the Quick Rod final. Elrod gained the .009 to .058 advantage at the tree. Hardman barely missed the 8.90 Index with an 8.903, while Hardman had an 8.919 run.

Tom Dimond gained the Super Rod victory as Mark Harmon red-lighted by a heartbreaking -001. Dimond, who had a solid .007 start, finished in 9.924 seconds. Harmon had a 9.925-second pass on the 9.90 Index.

Tim Shuck also had a solid .007 start in the Hot Rod final and combined it with a 10.910-second run against a 10.90 Index. Runner-up Scotty Rienschield had a little better time at 10.907 seconds after a .026 reaction time.

Chad Axford and Troy Williams Jr. decided to split the winner's purse in Top Dragster. Jason Dietsch got the better of Taylor Dietson in the Factory Stock final.

Steve Comella went 8.382 seconds at 159.29 mph to gain the victory in the John Holt Hemi Class. Anthony Rhodes, who was slightly quicker .045 to .050 at the start, finished in 8.431 seconds and 158.69 mph.

Mike Swartz took top honors in the Snowmobile / Sleds with a 4.824-second run at 150.95 mph. Greg Thomas had a better reaction time, but ended runner-up at 5.687 seconds and 115.76 mph.

The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series will return July 23-26 at Milan (Mich.) Dragway.

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