MILAN, Mich. — Randy Weatherford captured the win at the IHRA Outlaw Pro Mod Nationals at Darana Dragway - Milan with a 3.60-second pass in the final round — exactly the number he and his team had planned. The margin of victory was tight, but Weatherford’s sharp reaction time made the difference.

“That’s what we planned on running — 3.60, just like we did in qualifying,” Weatherford said. “It was a close race. This is what it’s all about.”

The veteran driver praised the competitive balance in the class, noting how close the battle is between different blower combinations. “The sport is pretty much equal now between screws and centrifugal blowers,” he said. “You don’t get any better than this.”

The win marks Weatherford’s second IHRA Ironman, his first coming about 20 years ago at an event at Carolina Dragway, aka "The House of Hook," in Aiken, South Carolina. This one, he admitted, is even better.

To celebrate, Weatherford and his team stuck to their tradition: Yoohoo chocolate milk. “That’s what we do every time we win - we go to the Yoohoos. It just tastes good after a win like this,” he said. “This goes back to WS Construction and all my employees. They do an excellent job, and this is what I get up for — I get up to win.”

Weatherford also credited his Harts Charger setup for powering the victory, citing its reliability and smooth performance. “It runs good. The motor likes it,” he explained. “I’ve made 18 runs with this thing and haven’t taken it apart. It’s a good piece — go buy you one.”

With the Outlaw Pro Mod Nationals trophy in hand, Weatherford is already looking ahead. “I can’t wait to come to the next IHRA race,” he said. “I’m gonna get me another one.”

Photos by Robert Richard/BME Photography