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Chad Neuenschwander Gears Up for Ohio After Thrilling Small Tire Pro Stock Indy Race
Highlights
- Chad Neuenschwander debuted Small Tire Pro Stock July 2026.
- Qualified fourth with 8.15-second pass at Lucas Oil Raceway.
- Won elimination rounds despite car damage and electrical issues.
- Engine failed to start in final; opponent won first Wally.
- Plans to race September 11-12 at Darana Raceway, Ohio.
- Family and sponsors support Neuenschwander’s Small Tire Pro Stock efforts.
Chad Neuenschwander progresses in Small Tire Pro Stock at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, qualifying fourth in August and reaching the final, only for a no‑start to deny a win.
The naturally aspirated specialist carries experience from NMCA NA 10.5, combining driving and preparation skills. That blend underpins a disciplined approach to setup, data, and execution in a maturing class.
He debuts in July at the Nostalgia Drag Racing League Hot Rod Nationals, establishing a baseline tune. Attention then shifts to a return at Indianapolis for August competition.
At the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series SummerNationals, in heat and humidity, Neuenschwander qualifies fourth with 8.15 at 172 mph.
The Mustang uses a 415‑ci small‑block Ford built by his son and crew chief, Dylan, at Stanfield Racing Engines, with twin CFM carburetors and a GF2000 five‑speed.
The event sits on an evolving NHRA calendar.
Qualified fourth with 8.15 at 172 mph amid oppressive heat and humidity.
Despite the time slip, he reports the engine hitting only 9,200 rpm on the launch, then sagging before recovering. The package has previously produced 7.86 at 174 mph.
Family support underpins operations, with wife Joy, Dylan’s partner Hailey Day, and Dwayne Hartman assisting throughout the weekend.
Round one brings drama. Jeff Ikard suffers an electrical failure, handing over the win. Near the stripe, Neuenschwander’s door skin and passenger window detach, yet the car remains composed.
Officials check the car, and the team works overnight. Epoxy and tape borrowed from rivals patch bodywork. Dylan repairs the clutch and a broken pinion bearing.
Door skin and passenger window detached near the stripe; the team rebuilt the car overnight with paddock help.
The car gains roughly ten pounds after fixes. Neuenschwander still advances with 8.10 at 169 mph. Reigning champion Dwight Ausmus red‑lights in his Pontiac‑powered Firebird.
The final pairs Neuenschwander with David Theisen. Theisen waits as Neuenschwander’s engine refuses to fire, then earns his first NHRA Speed For All Wally with 7.84 at 180 mph.
Back in the pits, the culprit emerges. Two screws on a computer cable controlling the starter and ignition have loosened, breaking the circuit at the line.
Loose screws on a starter‑ignition computer cable caused the final‑round no‑start.
Neuenschwander holds fifth in Small Tire Pro Stock points. A carbon door from Motor City Solutions is inbound. He targets World Nostalgia Drags on September 11–12 at Darana Raceway, Ohio.
Sponsor support remains broad, including MGP Connecting Rods, V&J Inc., CFM Performance Carburetors, G‑Force Transmissions, and BES Racing Engines. Safety focus, via Race Car Rescue demonstrations, underlines the class’s momentum.
Neuenschwander views the class as a meeting point for seasoned racers, with growth and participation the next targets.
Visual Summary
#415
💥
🏁 Q4 • 8.10s @ 169 mph
👨👩👦👦 Built by Son & Crew: Dylan
🔧 Lost door, repaired overnight
Final round heartbreak: won’t start – but still 5th in points, and this crew never quits.
🚀 Small Tire Pro Stock is growing!
👥
“Glad to be part of it.”
🔜
Next Race: World Nostalgia Drags, Sep 11-12, Darana Raceway OH
Next Race: World Nostalgia Drags, Sep 11-12, Darana Raceway OH
Supported by family, crew & passionate sponsors
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.
