David Theisen Claims Thrilling Small Tire Pro Stock Indy Win and NHRA Wally

David Theisen wins Small Tire Pro Stock at the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series SummerNationals, staged August 7-9 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, after a final-round no-start for Chad Neuenschwander.

Intense heat and humidity push track management and crew chiefs to the limit. Temperatures exceed 90 degrees, increasing the premium on execution and reliability across a strong regional field.

Dwight Ausmus sets the qualifying benchmark with a 7.863 at 174 mph in his Firebird. The BES-powered 573ci Pontiac, CFM carburetor, and Liberty five-speed package signals early authority.

By Sunday, Theisen and Neuenschwander emerge as the consistent threats. Theisen qualifies second at 7.867 and 179 mph in the LaFontaine Firebird with a 500ci DRCE from Uratchko Racing Engines.

Theisen’s recent move from automatic to a Liberty five-speed quickly beds in. Clutch specialist Ben Mastalier, his wife Anna, and builder Chris Uratchko refine the window under punishing conditions.

Theisen opens eliminations with control. He defeats David Murray, 7.82 at 178 mph to 8.54 at 160. Murray’s Mustang runs a 450ci small-block Ford from EIC Motorsports with Weldon fuel support.

Round two sustains the trend. Theisen posts 7.89 at 178 to turn back Wayne Roberts, who clocks 7.98 at 172 in a GSX powered by a BES DRCE II combination.

Neuenschwander’s route is rugged. He qualifies fourth with an 8.15 at 172 in a Mustang carrying a 415ci small-block Ford, built by his son Dylan at Stanfield Racing Engines.

His Mustang runs twin CFM Performance carburetors and a G-Force GF2000 five-speed. A round-one solo follows when Jeff Ikard cannot start due to an electrical fault.

That solo proves costly. The door skin and window detach near the finish, demanding hours of taped repairs. Fellow racers assist, keeping the car competitive for late rounds.

Neuenschwander then advances past Ausmus in round two after a red-light. He records an 8.10 at 169, setting a final against the class’s form driver, Theisen.

The decider turns on reliability. Neuenschwander’s engine will not re-fire due to a loose electrical cable. After delays, officials order Theisen to stage and run for the win.

Theisen delivers the lap and claims the NHRA Speed For All Wally trophy on merit, having led the elimination pace. Neuenschwander acknowledges the outcome and praises Theisen’s patience.

Celebrations follow in the Division 3 paddock. Theisen joins director William Tharpe in the NHRA North Central Division 3 Winner’s Circle, a fitting end to a heat-stressed weekend.

He thanks Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and NHRA Division 3 for showcasing Small Tire Pro Stock. He also targets future finals with Neuenschwander, seeking a straight fight next time.

Class sponsors underpin the entry list and turnaround work. Backers include MGP Connecting Rods, V&J Inc., Sporthorse Saddlery, CFM Performance Carburetors, G-Force Transmission, BES Racing Engines, Martino Race Engines, Pen and Paper Strength App, and 10K Technology.

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Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.