Elite Motorsports revealed its 2027 Pro Stock intake package at the Texas NHRA FallNationals in Dallas, with Mike DePalma driving exhibition passes after months of preparation for the new rules.

Development has run since April, using dyno work and Royce Freeman’s B/Altered Automatic Comp Eliminator car to prove concepts ahead of the Dallas exhibition.

The update pairs a prominent hood scoop with two top‑mounted four‑barrel‑style throttle bodies, moving intake charge from a front entry to a direct top path.

Richard Freeman says the goal is a cleaner airflow path and stronger identity for the class as manufacturer backing wanes.

The configuration shifts crew focus from manifold runners to the lid, snout, and inlet path, changing calibration workflows and trackside decision‑making.

With air entering from above, carburetor tuning simplifies and throttle response improves, according to initial team data.

Dyno results indicate a five‑to‑ten horsepower increase, meaningful in a class decided by thousandths.

Acceleration off the line also improves. Freeman expects about six months of testing before teams fully exploit the package. That timeline frames themes in our event preview.

Fuel delivery maps require revision because the top‑entry plume changes cylinder‑to‑cylinder distribution and burn characteristics.

The core 2026‑spec engine architecture remains. The major change is airflow direction, now down from the scoop rather than forward through a nose inlet.

Clutch application, tire prep, and launch timing will be retuned to match the revised torque curve.

Elite plans additional laps on Monday to gather data, with real track metrics placed above predictions.

Freeman argues the ruleset will cut costs while boosting spectacle, underlining the importance of reintroducing visible intake hardware.

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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.