Equal-i-zer Shootout Field Taking Shape as Top 8 Battle Heads to World Wide Technology Raceway

The stage is nearly set for the 2026 Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitches Top Dragster & Top Sportsman Shootouts, and with only eight spots available in each category, the battle around the final transfer positions is coming down to the wire.

Now in its third season, the program rewards qualifying excellence throughout the NHRA North Central Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season, culminating with the special eight-car Shootouts during the upcoming LODRS Doubleheader at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Top Dragster: Leaders Secure, Final Spots Still Up for Grabs

In Top Dragster, Jim Prevo leads the standings with 153 points, followed by Darian Boesch with 141 and Al Peavler with 136. All three have built substantial cushions and are firmly positioned for the Shootout.

Behind them, Tom Martino and Karma Hopper sit tied at 100 points, followed by Ashley Johnson at 89 and JB Strassweg at 85.

But the real drama surrounds that eighth and final spot.

Dane Ward currently holds the final transfer position with 84 points, but there is little room for error. Jordan Ward is only eight points back with 76, while Wayne Landry and Frank Carpinelli are tied at 72. Steve Schnieder remains within striking distance at 70.

That means qualifying at St. Louis could completely reshape the bottom of the Top 8.

Top Sportsman: Butcher Holds the Bubble

The Top Sportsman side has its own battle brewing.

Darian Boesch leads the way with 141 points, followed by Belva Brinegar at 127, Mark McDonald at 114 and Blake Peavler at 112. Dennis Dowson sits fifth with 104, followed by Rich Sojka at 100 and Timothy Kirman at 98.

That leaves Glenn Butcher holding the coveted eighth position with 92 points.

His closest challenger is Curt Fredrich at 82 points, only 10 points outside the field. Dean McIlvain and Chad Pekrul are tied at 74, keeping additional pressure on the final Shootout position.

$2,000 to Win Across Two Shootouts

Once the Top 8 are determined, separate Shootouts will be contested for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, with each paying:

Winner: $1,000

Runner-Up: $500

Semifinalists: $250

With valuable qualifying points still on the line, every position matters as the North Central Division heads back to World Wide Technology Raceway.

A special thank you goes to JB and Torrie Strassweg, American RV of Evansville, Indiana, and Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitches for their continued commitment to the North Central Division's Top Dragster and Top Sportsman competitors.

Some drivers have put themselves in great shape. Others are sitting squarely on the bubble. Now it's time to find out who will make the Top 8 and race for the Equal-i-zer Shootout titles at St. Louis!