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MWDRS Ends J&A Service Funny Car Class in Major Shift
Highlights
- MWDRS ends J&A Service Funny Car class after 5½ years
- Jim and Annie Whiteley remain committed to MWDRS support
- Funny Car class ended due to insufficient wider racing support
- Focus shifts to Pro Mod and sportsman-style classes growth
- New classes like 6.0 or Super Pro under consideration
- Whiteleys and partners boost Pro Mod payouts for competitors
The Mid-West Drag Racing Series ends the J&A Service Funny Car class after 5½ years, citing insufficient wider participation despite sustained investment and promotion.
Series founder Keith Haney thanks Jim and Annie Whiteley for extensive support, acknowledging their role as long-term backers and presenting sponsors.
MWDRS discontinues the J&A Service Funny Car class after 5½ years, prioritizing stronger categories with broader support.
The Whiteleys funded the class to establish a stable Funny Car field and competitive purse. Their contribution totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars over multiple seasons.
Despite that commitment, the broader racer base did not consistently materialize. MWDRS reallocates resources to categories demonstrating reliable grids and sustainable economics.
Jim and Annie Whiteley remain as presenting sponsors and continue to strengthen Pro Mod support.
The Whiteleys remain involved with MWDRS, continuing as presenting sponsors and focusing their efforts on the Pro Mod class and series-wide initiatives.
Entering its 10th season, MWDRS prioritizes Pro Mod and sportsman-style classes. Additional funds from the Whiteleys, Robin and Melody Roberts, and Robert Costa raise Pro Mod payouts.
MWDRS evaluates adding 6.0 or Super Pro, plus a potential NT 28 10.5 class, to broaden participation.
Proposed additions include a 6.0 or Super Pro category and a possible NT 28 10.5 class. The goal is to attract new racers and deepen event fields.
Any expansion depends on securing sponsorship and consistent entries. MWDRS is actively pursuing new partners to support growth and improve competitor experience.
Haney reiterates gratitude to Jim and Annie Whiteley for their generosity and long-term commitment. With a firmer base, MWDRS targets momentum across upcoming events.
Visual Summary
Funny Car Bids Farewell
✦ Thank you, J&A Service ✦
Pro Mod Future ? Grows Stronger
✦ Thank you, J&A Service ✦
Pro Mod Future ? Grows Stronger
?
Funny Car:
Retired
Retired
➔
?
Pro Mod:
Boosted Prizes
Boosted Prizes
New Classes?
On the Horizon
“MWDRS and racers salute Jim & Annie Whiteley: their passion keeps the series moving forward.
Funny Car will be missed, but the future burns brighter.”
Funny Car will be missed, but the future burns brighter.”
James William covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to sprint-race formats. His reports include prototype performance reviews, GT class battles, and pit-stop strategy insights for endurance-racing fans.
