North Central Division Announces Third Year of Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches Top Dragster & Top Sportsman Shootout Program

The NHRA North Central Division proudly announces the third consecutive year of the Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches Top Dragster and Top Sportsman Shootout and Low Qualifier Program, continuing a successful initiative that rewards outstanding qualifying performance throughout the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season.

Recognized for producing some of the quickest and most competitive Top Dragster and Top Sportsman fields in the country, the North Central Division has once again partnered with American RV of Evansville, Indiana, and Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches as the program moves forward under a long‑term agreement that ensures continued support of the Shootout through the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons. This commitment is designed to elevate competition while providing long‑term stability and recognition for excellence in qualifying.

​

During the 2026 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season, $200 will be awarded to the Low Qualifier in both Top Dragster and Top Sportsman at each of the following events:

​

• World Wide Technology Raceway (Spring Event)

• Summit Motorsports Park

• US 131 Motorsports Park

• Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park

• Beech Bend Raceway Park

• World Wide Technology Raceway (Doubleheader)

​

This program places a strong emphasis on qualifying performance, encouraging competitors to deliver their best efforts at each event.

​

Shootout Championship Format

​

Competitors will earn points based on their final qualifying positions at each event. Points will be awarded as follows:

​

• #1 Qualifier – 32 points

• #32 Qualifier – 1 point

• All positions in between will earn points (2 earns 31 points, 31 earns 2 points, etc.)

​

At season’s end, the top eight point earners in each class will advance to the Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches Shootouts, held during the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Doubleheader at World Wide Technology Raceway in October.

​

Shootout Payouts

​

Separate shootouts will be contested for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, with each class awarding:

​

• Winner: $1,000

• Runner‑Up: $500

• Semi‑Finalists: $250

​

Special Thanks

​

The North Central Division would like to thank JB and Torrie Strassweg, along with American RV of Evansville, IN, and Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches, for their continued commitment to the North Central Division and ongoing support of the Oakley Motorsports Top Dragster and Top Sportsman categories. Their involvement continues to add excitement and prestige to the program entering its third season.

 

 

2025 Shootout Results 

​

The most recent Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches Shootouts were contested during the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Doubleheader at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Shootout Winners:

​

•  Top Dragster: Dennis Brown

•  Top Sportsman: Darian Boesch

​

As the program enters its third year, momentum remains strong as qualifying excellence continues to take center stage in the North Central Division.

​

​                              

Supporting Partner

​

About American RV of Evansville, Indiana

​

American RV of Evansville, also known as Basden’s American RV Center, is a family‑owned and operated recreational vehicle dealership that has proudly served southern Indiana and the Tri‑State region since 1971. Based in Evansville, Indiana, American RV offers a full range of new and pre‑owned RV sales, along with parts, service, rentals, and customer support. With decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, American RV remains a trusted leader in the outdoor recreation and RV lifestyle industry.

​

For more information, visit: https://www.americanrvcenter.com

​

About Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches

​

Founded in 1945, Equal‑i‑zer Sway Control Hitches is a leading American manufacturer of premium towing products, best known for its patented 4‑Point Integrated Sway Control® technology. Proudly made in the USA, Equal‑i‑zer hitches combine weight distribution and sway control into a single, easy‑to‑use system designed to deliver superior safety, stability, and performance. Equal‑i‑zer products are trusted nationwide by towing and RV enthusiasts and are recognized for quality, innovation, and long‑term reliability.

​

For more information, visit: https://www.equalizerhitch.com