A new drag racing association, Nitro Outlaw Drag Racing Association, has been formed and plans to host a limited number of events during 2018, with an “emphasis on bringing the fun back into racing.”

Instead of a traditional qualifying format, teams will be given a single "test and tune" run at the start of the event. Racers will then "challenge" an opponent for first-round pairings. In a unique twist, the fans will get to choose the lane for each driver via text or website voting. All the action will be streamed live on NitroTV.org.

Both Top Fuel and Funny Car categories will be contested during the events.

Races will be to 1000ft when possible. Nitro fuel will be limited to a maximum of 80%. A maximum manifold pressure of 60 lbs. psi will also be implemented.

Nitro Outlaw’s members include driving superstar Cory McClenathan, Funny Car owner/driver Jack Wyatt, and race winning Crew Chief Tony Shortall.

McClenathan will head up the Nitro Outlaw's drivers committee, while Wyatt oversees the owners committee. Shortall has been named Director of Safety and Competition.

"Some of my best memories from drag racing go back to the days of the match races in the 70s’,” Shortall said. "You had these drivers who would go head-to-head to settle grudges or to prove who was really the best out there. That has been missing, and we hope to bring that spirit back to the drag strip with the Nitro Outlaws."

The Nitro Outlaw races will be held at the following NHRDA (National Hot Rod Diesel Association) events in 2018, with more ADRL races pending.

March 17 —WILD HORSE PARK—CHANDLER, AZ
APRIL 28—TEXAS MOTORPLEX—ENNIS, TX
JUNE 9—BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY—MORRISON, CO
OCTOBER 13—TEXAS MOTORPLEX—ENNIS, TX