Drag Drive Repeat Show Episode 83 Recap: "Surprise Show Packs a Punch: Event Recaps, New Merch, and Big Announcements"

The latest installment of the Drag Drive Repeat Show, Episode 83, came as a thrilling surprise to the audience as it was on a Tuesday night. Presented by Summit Racing, this episode was packed with news, event recaps, and exciting announcements, all delivered in a tight, action-packed format. Hosted by Mike Narx and co-host Eric White, the show covered everything from race results to exclusive merch drops and upcoming events that had every drag and drive enthusiast buzzing with excitement.

Quick Recap of the Episode:

Key Segments: Back to the Streets Recap, One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend, New Merch Drop, PRI 2024 Award Show Announcement, and much more.
Host: Mike Narx
Co-Host: Eric White

Highlights and Key Details:

1. Back to the Streets Recap:

The show opened with a recap of the Back to the Streets event, which is growing rapidly and delivered incredible racing action this year. Mike and Eric highlighted several key winners and provided a detailed breakdown of the unique format, blending heads-up racing with a shootout-style finale.

Key Event Format Details:

Type of Event: Non-traditional Drag and Drive
Format: Heads-up racing with a small tire shootout, open to the public, on Sunday
Special Feature: Power Wheels Class for kids, with a driving loop in the parking lot to mimic drag and drive

Mike and Eric emphasized the rapid growth of this event, stating that it’s becoming one of the "must-attend" competitions on the drag and drive calendar. Although not a full drag and drive event, Back to the Streets has carved out its own identity, blending intense heads-up racing with the community spirit of a weekend-long shootout.

Winners and Standout Performances:

NA Class Champion:
Chucky Skinner took home the Naturally Aspirated Class Championship - His vehicle ran flawlessly throughout the event, securing him a win in one of the most competitive classes of the weekend.
Hard Tire Champ:
Jason Upchurch dominated the Hard Tire Class, showcasing exceptional skill and vehicle performance. His consistent execution on the track helped him stay ahead of tough competition, ultimately securing the championship in his category.
Stick Shift Winner:
Matt Walter of Walter Racecraft once again proved why he's a force to be reckoned with in the Stick Shift Class. Despite facing stiff competition from some seasoned racers, Walter’s precision and skill behind the wheel earned him a well-deserved victory.
True Street Winner:
Dave McKenna continued his reign in the True Street Class, taking his second consecutive win. Known for his methodical approach and consistent performance, McKenna’s twin-turbo LS-powered vehicle is a regular contender at drag race events, and he once again demonstrated his ability to tune for any surface.
Small Tire Winner:
Austin Sanchez, clinched the Small Tire Class Championship for the second year in a row. His car, equipped with a unique three-gallon fuel cell that required him to refuel every 18 miles, became a talking point of the event. Despite this challenge, Sanchez’s car delivered some of the most exciting races to watch.

Event Standouts and Key Discussions:

Power Wheels Class:
One of the most fun and unexpected additions to the event was the Power Wheels Class, designed to engage younger fans. Kids were tasked with completing a driving loop around the parking lot in their Power Wheels vehicles, mimicking a miniature drag and drive experience. The winner of this class walked away with a $1,000 prize, an impressive amount that added to the excitement and participation from families.
Jason Upchurch’s Car:
Jason Upchurch’s hard-tire car became a favorite topic of discussion, as its rugged reliability and impressive power output were key to his success. Upchurch’s ability to manage traction on hard tires while still producing solid times demonstrated his mastery of the event format.
Matt Walter's Stick Shift Class Victory:
Walter’s victory in the Stick Shift Class didn’t come easy. He faced a stacked field of competitors, but his precision in shifting and understanding of his car’s limits allowed him to beat out several faster cars.

2. One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend Recap:

Next, the show shifted to a detailed breakdown of One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend, an event that’s been running since 2015. The hosts focused on the class winners and unique moments from the weekend.

Key Event Details:

Established: 2015
Participant Limit: 70 cars
Type of Event: Drag and Drive with multiple racing classes
Special Note: One of the longest-running regional drag and drive events, cultivating a family-like atmosphere.

Class Winners and Top Performances:

Outlaw Class Winner: Carl Thomas

Average time: 4.83 seconds (8th mile)
Carl Thomas showcased incredible performance throughout the weekend, dominating the Outlaw Class with an impressive 4.83-second average in the 8th mile.

True Street Class Winner: Aaron Prebe

Average time: 8.43 seconds (quarter mile)
Aaron Prebe took home the win in the True Street Class with a strong 8.43-second average in the quarter mile. True Street is one of the most competitive classes in regional events like these, and Prebe’s win is a testament to his vehicle’s performance and his driving skills.

Factory Street Class Winner: Aaron Perkins

Average time: 9.21 seconds (quarter mile)
The Factory Street Class saw Aaron Perkins emerged victorious with a 9.21-second average. This class typically features street-driven vehicles that are closer to stock configurations, making Perkins’ consistent runs all the more impressive.

Stick Shift Class Winner: Chuck Schleicher III

Average time: 9.59 seconds (quarter mile)
Chuck Schleicher III wowed the crowd with his precise manual shifting and quick reflexes, securing the win in the Stick Shift Class with an average time of 9.59 seconds. Stick shift racers are always crowd favorites due to the level of skill required to master manual transmissions,and the carnage that comes when things don’t go right.

Quickest Quarter Mile Pass:

Time: 8.071 seconds
Vehicle: ’81 C10 truck
One of the most talked-about moments from the weekend was an impressive 8.071-second quarter mile pass, set by an 1981 C10 truck. The truck, a fan favorite due to its unlikely appearance for such high performance, left the audience and fellow racers in awe with its raw power and speed. This average was the quickest of the entire event.

Special Highlights from the Event:

Street Eliminator Class:

A major talking point from the show was the tight competition in the Street Eliminator Class, which saw Chris Cabe walk away with the win. What made this victory so notable was Cabe’s incredible 0.08-second spread across his runs, finishing with times between 15.55 seconds and 15.56 seconds.
Mike Narx praised Cabe’s precision, remarking on how difficult it is to maintain such consistency. Cabe’s performance highlighted the fact that, in drag and drive events, it’s not always about the fastest cars—it’s about precision, consistency, and racing strategy.

Second Place in Street Eliminator:

Runner-up: Chris Upmeyer
Spread: 0.09 seconds
The competition in Street Eliminator was so close that Chris Upmeyer, the second-place finisher, had a 0.09-second spread on his runs, just 0.01 seconds behind the winner. Mike pointed out how this razor-thin margin underscores the high level of competition at One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend.

Community Vibe:

One of the things that sets One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend apart is its strong sense of community. Mike and Eric emphasized how this event feels more like a family reunion than a standard competition, with racers helping each other out, sharing tips, and celebrating each other’s victories.
Racers not only compete but form lasting relationships. As Mike put it, “This is an event where you’re not just racing—you’re building friendships that last for years.”

Notable Figures and Results:

$100 entry fee: The cost to enter the event, covering both the tech card and race participation.
70 cars: The event is limited to 70 cars, maintaining an intimate and tightly-knit atmosphere.
8.071 seconds: The quickest pass of the weekend, set by an ’81 C10 truck in the quarter mile.
0.08-second spread: The time difference between Chris Cabe’s fastest and slowest runs, highlighting the precision needed to win in the Street Eliminator Class.

Mike and Eric’s Commentary:

Mike and Eric couldn’t emphasize enough how unique One Guy’s Garage Drag Weekend is compared to other events. With a smaller group of participants and a regional focus, the event offers an opportunity for racers to get to know each other on a deeper level, making it feel more personal and rewarding.

Mike Narx: “This event feels like family. You’ll get to know everyone, and it’s not just about the racing—it’s about the relationships you build. This is why it’s been so successful since 2015.”
Eric White: “You don’t have to have a seven-second car to win here. It’s all about how well you race and how consistent you can be.”

3. New Merch Announcement:

Key Merch Highlights:

New Collection Drop: Red, white, and blue "America Drag Drive Repeat" stickers
Availability: Now available for purchase on the Drag Drive Repeat website
Upcoming Exclusive Decal: Special edition decals to debut at the 666 event

Details on the Latest Drop:

The featured item in this merch drop is the limited-edition red, white, and blue "America Drag Drive Repeat" sticker, designed specifically for fans who want to showcase their pride in both country and the drag and drive culture. Mike and Eric emphasized that this collection combines patriotic elements with the adrenaline-fueled spirit of Drag Drive Repeat.

Sticker Design: The red, white, and blue "America Drag Drive Repeat" sticker features bold, striking colors that represent the combination of drag and drive racing with a nod to American motorsports culture.
Price: $10 per sticker (limited supply).
Availability: Stickers are available for immediate purchase on the Drag Drive Repeat website, and demand is expected to be high. Early buyers will get first access to these patriotic stickers before they sell out.

Eric White shared that this particular sticker is one of his personal favorites, and both hosts predicted that it would be a hot item among fans. "This is my personal favorite sticker from the collection right now," Eric said, while Mike chimed in that it was one of their best designs yet.

Teaser for the Upcoming Sick 66 Event Exclusive Decal:

In addition to the currently available stickers, Mike and Eric teased the launch of a new exclusive decal that will make its debut at the upcoming Sick 66 event. Attendees of the event will have early access to this highly anticipated decal, which promises to be a standout in their collection.

Sick 66 Event Special Edition Decal: This unreleased decal will be made available to fans attending the event, giving them the first opportunity to grab it before anyone else.
Limited Supply: The hosts emphasized that there will only be a limited number of decals available at the event. Once these are gone, fans will need to wait for a restock, if there is one.

The Sick 66 event, scheduled for next week, will serve as the platform for unveiling this new decal, and attendees will get the first look and opportunity to purchase it. Mike hinted that the design is "something special" and will likely become a favorite among the Drag Drive Repeat community.

Upcoming Decals & Collectible Series:

The hosts revealed that they plan to continue releasing new decals and stickers at future events and on their website. Each release will have its own unique design, often linked to specific events or milestones in the drag and drive world. The collectible series will feature high-quality designs, perfect for fans to display on their cars, toolboxes, or even their home garages.

Next Release: The new decals will drop Wednesday night during the next episode (EP 85), which will be back on the regular schedule. After that, they will be available at the Sick 66 event.
Special Giveaway Decals: Mike also mentioned that he will have giveaway decals available during the event. These exclusive decals, however, will not be for sale and will only be given to those who participate in the live stories or interviews during the event.

4. PRI 2024 Award Show Announcement:

In a standout moment of Episode 83, Mike Narx made a significant announcement that has the drag and drive community buzzing: the Drag Drive Repeat Award Show, presented by Summit Racing, will take place at PRI 2024 (Performance Racing Industry). This award show is set to be one of the biggest highlights of the year, recognizing the best and brightest in the drag and drive world. The announcement also marked a major milestone for Drag Drive Repeat, as the show will be their centerpiece event during PRI 2024.

Key Details of the Award Show:

Event Date: Thursday morning during PRI 2024 (exact time to be confirmed in the next episode)
Location: PRI 2024, specific room details to be finalized
Live Video Feed: Yes, the award show will be streamed live for those unable to attend in person
Number of Days Until PRI: 72 days from the time of the announcement

Mike and Eric expressed their excitement and slight nervousness as they gear up for this major event, with Mike emphasizing how much effort is going into making it a memorable occasion. With only 72 days left until PRI 2024, the team is already deep into planning mode, preparing everything from award categories to ensuring top-notch event production.

Event Highlights:

Presented by Summit Racing: The award show will be presented by the longtime sponsor and partner, Summit Racing, one of the biggest names in automotive performance parts. This partnership underlines the significance of the event and adds credibility to the awards being given out.
Primary Reason for Attending PRI: Mike confirmed that hosting the award show is the main reason Drag Drive Repeat will be attending PRI 2024. Although they will still be engaging with fans and doing live coverage throughout the event, the award show is their top priority.
Focus on the Drag and Drive Community: The awards will recognize individuals, teams, and contributors from the drag and drive world, celebrating their achievements, dedication, and innovations over the past year.

Anticipation and Build-Up:

Mike Narx on the Pressure: Mike didn’t shy away from admitting that the team is feeling the pressure. “We’ve got 72 days, and that’s not a lot of time,” he said, before adding that the Drag Drive Repeat team is fully committed to delivering a top-quality award show that reflects the hard work of the entire community.
Live Stream for Global Fans: The hosts confirmed that there will be a live video feed of the award show for fans who can’t attend PRI in person. This ensures that the entire Drag Drive Repeat community, no matter where they are, can take part in the celebration.
Room Capacity: Mike mentioned that they are currently working with the PRI event coordinators to secure a room that can hold approximately 75 to 100 people. This will provide an intimate yet substantial space for the award show and live audience, with Mike promising to share exact details in the next episode.

Award Categories (Teased During the Livestream):

Although not all categories have been revealed, Mike and Eric hinted at some of the award categories that fans can expect at the show.

Mike hinted that they will be introducing a few surprises and additional awards that reflect the unique spirit of the drag and drive community. Both hosts encouraged fans to stay tuned for future episodes where more details about the categories, nominees, and voting process will be announced.

PRI 2024 and Drag Drive Repeat’s Role:

Why PRI?: Mike explained why PRI 2024 is the perfect setting for the Drag Drive Repeat Award Show. PRI (Performance Racing Industry) is one of the largest and most respected automotive trade shows in the world, and it brings together top names in motorsports, racing, and performance industries. The award show will take place at this prestigious event, ensuring high visibility and recognition for the winners.
Networking and Coverage: Aside from the award show, Drag Drive Repeat will be fully immersed in PRI 2024 activities. The team will be conducting live interviews, covering product reveals, and engaging with the drag and drive community throughout the event. This is a prime opportunity for racers, sponsors, and fans to connect with the Drag Drive Repeat team.

Countdown to PRI 2024:

With a few weeks left until the event, the hosts reiterated how crucial the upcoming weeks will be in finalizing details and preparing for the big day. Both Mike and Eric encouraged fans to mark their calendars for the Thursday morning of PRI 2024, as this award show is set to be an unforgettable experience for the entire community.

Exciting Community Highlights:

Eric White’s Photo Updates: Eric shared that he’s hard at work sorting through 10,000+ photos from Hot Rod Drag Week, with more to be released soon. Expect regular photo drops showcasing day-by-day coverage from one of the biggest events of the year.

5. Upcoming Sick 66 Event & Drag Drive Repeat’s Special Coverage:

The 666 event is set to take place soon, and Drag Drive Repeat is gearing up to provide live coverage directly from the field. Mike Narx will be on-site with the Driven Racing World team, interviewing racers and providing live stories throughout the weekend. Special edition Drag Drive Repeat decals will also be available exclusively at the event.

Mark your calendars! The team will be present at:

Friday: Tech and Testing in Springfield
Saturday: Racing in Amarillo
Drag Drive Repeat Stories: Stop by the Driven Van to share your racing experiences and get some cool memorabilia.

6. Sponsor Shout-outs:

The show wrapped up with heartfelt thanks to the Drag Drive Repeat #racecarfriends and the DDR sponsors, including Summit Racing, Mahle Motorports, Driven Racing Oil, Car Chains 3D, JayWire Solutions, and Howard’s Cams, for their ongoing support of the drag and drive community.
“Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to keep this show running. We appreciate every bit of it,” Mike said.

Closing Thoughts:

Episode 83 was a surprise, but it packed a punch with non-stop updates, recaps, and exciting new content. Whether you’re a regular viewer or a first-timer, the Drag Drive Repeat Show continues to be the go-to source for all things drag and drive. Don’t forget to tune in to the next episode for more news, exclusive merch drops, and special event coverage.

As always, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Drag Drive Repeat on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest from the drag and drive community.