Racing Recap: Palmer and Creasy Dominate Nitro Finals at IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series in Virginia

North Dinwiddie, VA – April 9-11, 2026 – Virginia Motorsports Park played host to a high-powered round of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series, drawing nitro and sportsman competitors for three days of quarter-mile action. Standout performances in the professional nitro classes headlined the event, with veterans claiming big payouts and Ironman trophies.

In Top Fuel, Scott Palmer turned back Gary Pritchett in the final with a solid 3.075-second pass at 270.54 mph. Pritchett was forced to shut down before the finish. Palmer, winner of the series’ inaugural event, advanced by defeating Chuck Loftin and Lee Callaway earlier in the day.

Funny Car saw Dale Creasy Jr. secure his second consecutive victory, edging two-time World Champion Del Worsham in the final. Creasy’s Dodge Charger posted a winning 3.194 at 278.40 mph to Worsham’s 3.260 at 277.32 mph in a tight battle that was separated by just .002 at the tree.

Additional professional class winners included:

• Outlaw Pro Mod: Bubba Stanton defeated Hank Stubbs (Stanton ran 3.501 at 219.08 mph).
• Mountain Motor Pro Stock: Johnny Pluchino bested Jordan Ensslin in a close rematch.
• Pro Stock: Tony Scott earned his third straight win.
• Pro Mod: Tony Wilson took the victory with strong tree work.
• Top Alcohol Dragster: Jackie Fricke over Joey Severance.
• Top Alcohol Funny Car: Phil Esz edged Chip Beverett by just .002.
• Nitro Harley: Jason Leeper recovered from an earlier incident to win.
• Fuel Altered: Paul Miller became the first repeat winner of the season.
• Snowmobile: Anthony Mini scored back-to-back wins.

On the sportsman side, local favorites and repeat performers shined:

• Top Dragster: Dan Davies continued his strong season with a final-round win over Jessica Pritchett.
• Top Sportsman: Mike Alexander Jr. (Mechanicsville, VA) defeated Bob Mandell III.
• Hot Rod: Lawrence Paden won by the narrowest of margins (.001).
• Quick Rod: Mitchell Harkey repeated as winner.
• Super Rod: Richard Price.
• Super Stock: Tracy Robbins.
• Stock: Dan Fletcher went 2-for-2 on the young season.

The event at Virginia Motorsports Park featured competitive qualifying, strong fields, and dramatic eliminations across nitro, alcohol, and index classes. Ideal spring conditions helped produce several strong performances and record attempts.

The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series continues its 2026 schedule with the next stop at Montgomery International Dragway in Alabama on May 7-9. Full results and official PDFs are available on IHRA.com.