Top PDRA Racers Gear Up for American Doorslammer Challenge

The PDRA American Doorslammer Challenge is set to bring high-energy drag racing to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, from May 22-24. The event marks the third stop of the 2025 season for the Red Line Oil PDRA Drag Racing Series, following two rounds that delivered big performances across all professional and sportsman classes.

Summit Motorsports Park, recognized for its quality facilities and family atmosphere, will welcome racers and fans for another action-packed weekend. The Ohio crowd is known for its enthusiasm, making it one of the season’s most anticipated venues. For more details on the venue, visit the Summit Motorsports Park official site.

In Switzer Dynamics Pro Nitrous, the competition has been heating up. Marcus Butner leads the standings after scoring a win at the last event in Virginia.

Butner’s victory pushed him ahead of rookie Amber Denton, who has jumped to second place in just her second start in the class. Amber’s father, Tommy Franklin, is close behind in points, holding third with a runner-up finish and a No. 1 qualifier award this season.

The Pro Nitrous field is expected to be highly competitive in Norwalk, especially with strong entries from Midwest racers.

Pro Boost has seen big names battle at the top. Melanie Salemi, driving the “Purple Reign” Firebird, sits atop the points after a win at the season opener.

This is a home race for the Buffalo-area driver, adding extra motivation. Two-time world champion Jason Harris arrives second in points, fresh off a runner-up finish, while Johnny Camp, another Norwalk-area racer, holds third.

The fight for top positions in Pro Boost grows fiercer with each event, and the local fan base is expected to show strong support. For more on the competitive momentum in drag racing classes, see the latest ProMod rankings update.

In Liberty’s Gears Pro Street, Blake Denton has grabbed early momentum, claiming both a win and a runner-up. His “Bonnie” Camaro, with a nitrous-fed engine, has been a consistent top qualifier.

Ethan Steding, last year’s event winner, trails Denton after securing a recent win himself, and Tim Essick holds third position with back-to-back semifinal showings. Each round, these drivers have traded victories and fast times, setting up close points battles heading into the third race.

AED Competition Fuel Systems Extreme Pro Stock sees Jeremy Huffman as the new points leader after his first career win this season. Two defending champions, Chris Powers and Alan Drinkwater, follow closely in second and third, each hoping to find another victory in Norwalk.

Pro 632 also remains tightly contested, with Walter Lannigan leading after a strong start. Ohio’s own Jeff Melnick and Lexi Tanner round out the top three.

In Super Street, Austin Vincent leads after scoring his first career win, with defending winner Connor McGee and Matt Schalow chasing him in the standings.

Fans can look forward to sportsman racing as well, with top points earners like Ron Whitlock in Elite Top Sportsman and Alan O’Brien in Elite Top Dragster maintaining slim leads. The local bracket racing crowd will get their chance to shine in the Edelbrock Bracket Bash, drawing many Ohio regulars. For more on bracket racing rules and history, check out the NHRA’s official resource.

In the junior categories, Makinze Alexander and Will O’Brien look to protect their leads after early wins in Paragon Pro Jr. Dragster and Classic Graphix Top Jr. Dragster, respectively.

The schedule gives racers time to test on Thursday, with sportsman qualifying beginning that evening. Junior Dragster qualifying starts early Friday, and professional classes hit the track at noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. For a look at other prominent drag racing events taking place nearby, check the Route 66 NHRA Friday coverage.

Saturday’s activities begin with Junior Dragster final qualifying and feature pro eliminations starting at noon. The FuelTech Winner’s Circle, where victors celebrate, is set for 9:30 p.m. that night.

Tickets are available each day, with Thursday priced at $20, Friday at $25, and Saturday at $30. Discounts are provided for juniors and kids, while children 5 and under get free entry. For ticketing and event details, visit the PDRA official website.

For those unable to attend, live coverage will stream the full event online, allowing fans everywhere to watch the action unfold. The PDRA American Doorslammer Challenge promises three days of close racing, upsets, and memorable moments on one of the nation’s most respected drag strips. For more previews of major drag racing events leading into the weekend, see the Route 66 NHRA preview.