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Updated: February 14, 2025 — The Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series heads to the iconic Bristol Dragway for its fifth stop of the 2026 season: the Thunder Valley Throwdown presented by Larry Jeffers Race Cars. Running August 6-8, this event marks a critical juncture for championship contenders across professional, sportsman, and Jr. Dragster classes. With the PDRA Sportsman Spectacular adding extra stakes, the Drag Illustrated Event Hub will provide live qualifying results, elimination updates, photos, and deep-dive storylines throughout the weekend.
All eyes are on Bristol as the season’s midpoint approaches. Thursday testing kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by three pro qualifying sessions on Friday. Saturday’s eliminations will crown eighth-mile champions in the FuelTech Winner’s Circle. Bookmark this page for real-time results, exclusive photos, and expert analysis.
“The Thunder Valley Throwdown has quickly become one of the most anticipated stops on the PDRA tour. Bristol is such an iconic track that holds a lot of memories for our racers with its rich history in Pro Modified, Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, and Junior Drag Racing. It’s also one of the most fan-friendly tracks, and its unique location in the hills of Tennessee make it a destination event,” says Tyler Crossnoe, Series Director, PDRA. This year, the track’s legendary banking and elevation changes will test crews’ tuning skills as they chase championship points.
Three-time world champion Tommy Franklin enters Bristol as the Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous presented by Jerry Bickel Race Cars points leader, but his margin is razor-thin. Franklin, the defending event champion, pilots his Musi-powered “Jungle Rat 3.0” 1969 Camaro. However, 2024 world champion Fredy Scriba lurks less than a handful of points behind. Scriba’s team has been testing a new clutch setup in the off-season, and insiders say he’s aiming for a sweep at Bristol. Franklin, known for his aggressive starting-line reaction times, will need to stay sharp to fend off the challenge.
In a recent interview, Fredy Scriba shared his Bristol approach: “We’ve been analyzing Franklin’s data from last year, especially his launch patterns. Bristol rewards consistency, so we’re focusing on making every run count. If we can grab the pole, that momentum might carry us through eliminations.” The rivalry between Franklin and Scriba is expected to be the weekend’s marquee battle.
The PDRA Sportsman Spectacular, running alongside the pro classes, gives Top Sportsman and Top Dragster drivers a chance to earn extra cash and points. Defending champion Jim Halsey (Top Sportsman) and up-and-comer Sarah Connors (Top Dragster) are among the entries to watch. Connors, a 21-year-old from Ohio, told Drag Illustrated: “Bristol is my favorite track. The crowd feels like a sixth sense – you can hear them cheering from the staging lanes. I’m gunning for my first win here.”
The Jr. Dragster division features a new crop of young racers, including 14-year-old Landon Finch, who won the recent PDRA Summer Nationals. Finch’s consistency has impressed veteran crew chiefs, and he’ll be a strong contender in the Thunder Valley Jr. Shootout.
Friday’s three qualifying sessions will set the fields for Saturday’s eliminations. In Pro Nitrous, expect Franklin and Scriba to trade top spots. Pro Boost features defending champion Mike Janis, who is chasing his third consecutive Bristol win. In Pro Street, the battle between Kurt Steding and John Stanley remains tight after four rounds. The Top Sportsman and Top Dragster classes are packed with 30-plus entries each, promising tight competition.
Fans unable to attend can watch live on the PDRA Facebook page and YouTube channel. Tickets are available at the Bristol Dragway box office or online via the track’s website. General admission starts at $45 for adults, with kids under 12 free.
Bristol Dragway, located in the Appalachian Mountains of northeastern Tennessee, features a 1/4-mile drag strip configured for eighth-mile PDRA events. The track’s elevation (1,500 feet above
