Blake Denton secures the 2026 Liberty’s Gears Pro Street world title at Virginia Motorsports Park, sealing the championship during the Brian Olson Memorial World Finals.

He prevails from a six-way fight through consistency and execution, driving the nitrous “Bonnie” ’69 Camaro once raced by the late Lizzy Musi.

It completes a rebound after a near-miss season. Denton’s first full Pro Street campaign brought four straight finals and two wins, but late eliminations cost the crown.

This year, with tuner Jeff Pierce at Tommy Franklin Motorsports, Denton builds momentum. He reaches the opener’s semifinals, wins the East Coast Nationals, and adds key semifinal and quarterfinal scores.

Those results protect a points lead into the World Finals. The eliminations break his way when Ron Green and Scott Kincaid exit early, then Richard Reagan and Joel Wensley Jr. fall in round two.

Jerry Morgano’s form as top qualifier threatens the narrative, but Denton’s progress confirms control of the title picture. The team’s response reflects lessons from last season’s missed opportunity.

Morale is reinforced by Denton’s and wife Amber’s all-star successes, with Denton crediting the confidence from the ProStars victory carried into the finale.

Denton dedicates the achievement to Lizzy Musi, who campaigned “Bonnie” in No Prep Kings while battling breast cancer. The Musi family entrusts Denton and TFM to continue her legacy.

He debuts in the car late in 2024 to prepare for 2025. Two seasons later, the plan culminates in a championship that resonates across the paddock.

Denton adds the Pro Street crown to his 2023 1320 Fabrication Super Street title, joining a select group of dual-class champions. That echoes recent multi-title campaigns, including Marcus Butner’s championship run.

He contrasts disciplines: the Super Street car moves around more, while Pro Street’s 4,000 horsepower on a 10.5-inch tire punishes any lapse. That challenge suits his driving approach.

Family remains central. Denton partners with father-in-law Tommy Franklin, a three-time Pro Nitrous champion, for the East Coast Nationals win. Sister-in-law Ashley Franklin advances toward Pro 632, scoring in top dragster.

He credits the TFM crew and key partners, including Pat Musi Racing Engines, Red Line Oil, TBM Brakes, WELD Racing, and Mickey Thompson Tires, for sustaining performance and reliability.

Richard Reagan finishes runner-up, holding the class E.T. record and owning a Bristol win. Joel Wensley Jr. takes third after his breakthrough at the Maryland North vs. South Shootout.

The PDRA’s December banquet formalizes the title, but the season already underscores Denton’s measured execution, Pierce’s tuning acumen, and “Bonnie’s” return to the winner’s circle.

Visual Summary

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.