The Thunder Returns: DOA Drag Sleds Takes on Benson!

The wait is finally over. The smell of burnt rubber and high-octane nitro is back in the air as we kick off the first race of the 2026 season! From Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21, Team DOA is heading to the legendary GALOT Motorsports Park (now hosting the Darana Motorsports Park events) in Benson, North Carolina, for the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series.

This isn’t just a race; it’s a high-speed assault on the senses.

The Venue: A History of Speed

GALOT Motorsports Park is widely considered one of the premier drag racing facilities in the world. Known for its "all-concrete" track surface and state-of-the-art lighting, it provides the ultimate grip for record-breaking runs. This track has seen legendary battles in the IHRA and PDRA circuits, consistently producing world-class ETs (Elapsed Times) thanks to its meticulous track prep.

By The Numbers: Sled Drag Racing & Nitro Action

Drag racing is a game of extreme physics. Whether it’s our DOA Drag Sleds or the Nitro monsters we share the weekend with, the stats are mind-boggling:

• The Power: Top Fuel machines pump out a staggering 12,000 horsepower.

• The Velocity: Expect speeds exceeding 300 MPH in under 4 seconds.

• The Sleds: Snowmobile drag racing has evolved into a powerhouse sport. High-end asphalt sleds can accelerate from 0 to 100 MPH in under 2 seconds.

• The Distance: While Top Fuel runs the 1,000-foot mark for safety, many of our classes battle it out in the classic 1/8th mile (660 feet) sprint, where reaction time is everything.

• The Field: This event features over 200+ racers traveling from as far as Canada and the Midwest to compete in North Carolina.

• The Diversity: There are over 10 different race classes, ranging from the IHRA Small Tire Bratz Series to the heavy-hitting Outlaw Nitro machines.

Support the Mission: Gear Up with DOA

We don't just race these machines; we live them. DOA Drag Sleds is built on a foundation of grit and engineering excellence. When you buy DOA products—from our performance parts to our team apparel—you aren't just getting high-quality gear; you are directly fueling our team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Every purchase helps us stay on the track and keep the DOA name at the top of the qualifying boards. Click here to shop our latest gear!

Can’t Make it to Benson? Watch Us Live!

If you can’t make it to North Carolina to hear the roar in person, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. You can cheer on Team DOA from your living room!

We are thrilled to announce that you can stream the race via the IHRA broadcast. Just head over to our new website and click "Watch DOA Live" in the navigation bar to catch every burnout and finish-line stripe in real-time.

Event Details

• Dates: March 19–21, 2026

• Location: 555 Dragstrip Road, Benson, NC

• Special Event: Don’t miss the Bull Riding on Friday night at 9 PM!

It’s going to be a weekend of smoke, speed, and side-by-side action. Let’s start the season with a win. See you at the strip!