Ethan Steding Scores Pro Mod Victory in Debut at Darana Motorsports Park – Dunn

In his first official Pro Mod appearance, 18-year-old Ethan Steding drove his father Kurt Steding’s P2 Contracting Camaro to the winner’s circle during an impressive performance during the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series at Darana Motorsports Park – Dunn in North Carolina.

Steding qualified No. 12 with a 3.68-second pass at 205.75 mph. That placed him against one of the toughest first-round matchups possible, Lyle Barnett. Steding stayed composed and advanced with a 3.61 to Barnett’s 3.63.

“When I learned I was to face Lyle Barnett first round, nothing changed for me, I just ran my race and that’s what I always do,” Steding said. “I know he’s a bad dude on the starting line, but I just knew I had to be better, and it really helps when you know you have a car that can perform.”

In round two, Steding met No. 1 qualifier Ed Marx, who had set a new IHRA Pro Mod E.T. record during qualifying. Steding again delivered on the starting line, taking the win on a holeshot.

“[When I had to] face Ed Marx in round 2, it was the same deal, no matter who I race, I do the same every time, and I don’t care if you're number one or thirty-two qualifier, it’s anyone’s race to win,” he said. “Ed and I are both running WYO power, so I knew both cars would go down through happily and fast, but knowing Mark Savage wasn’t going to be a slouch behind the laptop of Ed’s car, so I knew I had to be up on that tree again and was able to get the win on a holeshot.”

In the quarterfinals, Steding faced veteran “John Doc” Dougherty. The two were nearly identical down track, but Steding’s .001 reaction time gave him another holeshot victory. He ran a 3.596 at 208.78 mph to Doc’s 3.593 at 208.97 mph. The win earned him a bye into the finals.

In the final round, Steding lined up against Kevin McCurdy. Steding kept his focus and delivered a 3.568 at 209.49 mph to edge out McCurdy’s 3.687 at 200.35 mph to claim the event win.

“To win races you have to be good at both ends of the track, and I did my job as a driver, my crew is unbelievable, and [crew chief] Todd Tutterow had the car on rails all weekend!” Steding said. 

“I just kept my head real calm in the final round. It’s what I’ve learned to do in this type of situation. I’m out here racing with the baddest dudes of the baddest, and I’m just the young gun in here. I wasn’t expecting this to happen at all, but with the dudes who were behind me and Todd Tutterow, the baddest dude to ever be in this sport, to have the thought of him being behind the keyboard of this car, it gives you the best feeling going into the final round. I was very confident in this team all weekend long. I'm very confident in these guys, and I can't thank them enough,” he added.

After the win, Steding reflected on how his prior racing experience helped prepare him “100%” for this moment.

“I’ve always been the type to watch and learn. Coming out of the Junior Dragster and just being around all these great people, you see it all, and it makes you better, especially going in with the 10.5 racing, being a two-time world champion in that,” Steding shared. “I’ve got the greatest dudes who drag race behind me. They're the best teachers to teach you.”

When asked about his family, Steding smiled.

“My mom and dad are very proud,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you the amount of times my dad was told that he needs to retire and sit back after this weekend, but I love it, and I can’t thank both my parents enough for this opportunity.”

Photos by: Robert Richard/BME Photography