Gutierrez Brothers Racing Debuts Exciting New Drag Strip at M1 Concourse

Gutierrez Brothers Racing, based in Berkley, Michigan, strengthens its NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster programme through a new partnership with M1 Concourse, ahead of key mid-summer events in Ohio.

Active since 2012, the team is fronted by driver JP Gutierrez, with brother Phil as car chief, coordinating setup direction, maintenance schedules, and race-day calls.

Its blown-alcohol, screw-supercharged 465-cubic-inch Hemi and B&J three-speed transmission deliver 270 mph potential and low five-second elapsed times, matching the class’s competitive envelope.

Recent appearances include the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals and Summit Motorsports Park’s Cavalcade of Stars, offering representative data on track performance and operational resilience.

Attention now turns to the Cornwell Tools Night Under Fire on July 31–August 1, a showcase event on the racing calendar blending fan appeal with meaningful performance targets.

Commercial backing remains stable, led by Maxima Racing Oils and Hussey Performance, supporting consumables, development parts, and event logistics.

The M1 Concourse agreement broadens visibility. The dragster will carry M1 branding at selected events, aligning marketing goals with on-track delivery.

M1 plans an eighth-mile drag strip, targeted to debut at the M1 Burnout on August 22, 2026, expanding Midwest capacity for testing, entertainment formats, and competitive programmes.

M1 owner Paul Zlotoff backs the project after consultation with David Gutierrez and Total Venue Concepts’ Kurt Johnson, signalling a focus on preparation standards and repeatable surface quality.

The Pontiac complex already houses a 1.5-mile road course, autocross, and off-road areas, with future additions including the X Center and an electric Karting Club.

Away from events, the team operates a Waterford, Michigan shop for high-performance tuning and repair, creating customer pathways and sustaining technical momentum between race meetings.

Additional eighth-mile capacity could shape scheduling and entry numbers across regional series, including the MWDRS, which often hinges on venue availability and geographic reach.

Against intensifying Top Alcohol Dragster competition, extra test windows and stronger local engagement offer incremental gains that frequently decide elimination matchups.

Investment trends mirror wider drag racing progress, from Pro Extreme development to safety upgrades, underlining the value of facilities capable of supporting diverse formats and series.

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Miles Carter

Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.