Former NPK Star Nate Sayler Joins IHRA Pro Mod Ranks with Debut at Darana Motorsports Park - Dunn

Former No Prep Kings star Nate Sayler will be making his Pro Modified debut this weekend during the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series at Darana Motorsports Park – Dunn (formerly GALOT Motorsports Park) on November 6–8.

Sayler will be piloting his brand-new screw-blown ’67 Mustang, built by Quarter-Max Racing. The car also features a one-of-a-kind engine combination – a ProLine MH8 4.9 Hemi, tuned by Lee White.

“It’s the only one in existence right now,” said Sayler. “I wanted the very first one, and it worked out that way. I’ve got a good crew, we’ve got parts, we’re all set to go.”

Upon completing the car, Sayler immediately began testing. He made four passes recently in Bradenton, Florida, and plans to test again this week in Rockingham leading up to the Nitro Series event. The key for Sayler is simply getting experience in his first-ever screw-blown car.

“You know, I was a little nervous going into it,” Sayler admitted. “But my goal as a driver was to get seat time. I cut a perfect light the first pass. I had no problem doing the burnouts, no problem seeing the tree, so I’m super excited to get back behind the wheel, get some more runs under my belt, and hopefully pop off some high 3.50’s.”    

While Sayler is no stranger to fast doorslammer racing, and has wheeled steel roof-and-quarters cars at Pro Mod events in the past, this will be his first official foray into the class with a purpose-built car. He made the decision to make his debut with the IHRA after being impressed with how well things were run while viewing from afar, and plans to run a full Nitro Series schedule in 2026 as well.

“The IHRA format right now – $50,000 to win, $10,000 for second – it just seems like it’s for the racers,” said Sayler. “I’m excited for that. People may not believe it, but I’m a budget racing program. I don’t have big sponsors – I’m my big sponsor. The carrot has been dangled so much in other racing series’ that it’s nice to see somebody actually follow through with it. I’m looking forward to supporting it.”

Fans can watch Nate Sayler and the rest of the stacked Pro Mod field at the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series, November 6–8. Tickets and racer information are available now at IHRA.com/tickets.

Photos by: Nate Sayler Racing Facebook Page