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Record-Setting Donations as Racers Conquer Stormy Route 66 in Thrilling Drag Weekend

Record-Setting Donations as Racers Conquer Stormy Route 66 in Thrilling Drag Weekend

Driving classic muscle cars and high-powered hot rods through 300 miles of historic Route 66 is no easy feat—even less so when battling relentless rainstorms. Yet, for the determined participants of The Circuit 2025 presented by Summit Racing, adverse conditions only amplified their passion. With 165 vehicles hitting the road (153 racers and 12 Road Trippers), the event not only showcased grit and horsepower but also raised record-breaking donations for Youth Services of Tulsa.

Since its inception, The Circuit has been a weekend focused on family fun, racing camaraderie, and charitable giving. This year’s event significantly benefited Youth Services of Tulsa, a crucial local organization providing over 20 life-skills and support programs for young adults aged 14–22.

Thursday's early tech session, led by Sean Fling and Matt Fling, efficiently checked in 65 racecars, with Friday morning adding nearly 100 more. Richard and Chrissy Courteau epitomized racing dedication, arriving at the final moment after swapping three transmissions, determined to compete.

Festivities kicked off early Thursday evening with the Racer Pre-Party at Los Cabos Mexican Grill, affectionately dubbed "maybe the last good meal you’ll have this weekend" by organizer Michael Narx. Quickly becoming an essential part of the weekend, more than 240 meals were served, making it a perfect opportunity for everyone to reunite with their #racecarfriends before hitting the road.

As persistent showers blanketed the region Friday, racers braved rain-soaked roads to reach Hendrick Heat, Air and Plumbing in Afton, OK, where owner Clint Sodowsky generously provided shelter. Next was Love’s Travel Stop in Joplin, MO, where racers refreshed with complimentary hot showers and snacks. The final stop at Gearhead Curios in Galena, KS, ignited the spectacular Block Party, drawing over 250 vehicles and raising $460 through uniquely entertaining events—belt sander drag racing, valve cover drag racing, and an intense practice tree tournament.

Saturday brought further challenges, with a surprise storm causing a five-hour track delay at Mo-Kan Dragway. Racers split into groups by their class to determine whether Saturday’s passes would be mandatory for scoring. The 11.00 Index, Small Tire, and Tailgate classes opted to include Saturday’s passes in their average ETs, while all other classes decided to rely solely on Sunday's timeslips. Despite the delay, more than 50 racers took advantage of an impromptu test-and-tune session at Mo-Kan.

Saturday’s route included another memorable stop in Galena, KS, at Hot Rod Hangout Speed Shop and Diner for a second trip down historic Main Street, followed by the iconic world-famous Blue Whale in Catoosa. The final route stop of the day was Broken Arrow Lanes, which hosted hosted a sensational Racer Party featuring bowling, arcade games, delicious food, and abundant laughter—a perfect break after a grueling drive.

Sunday’s perfect weather at Tulsa Raceway Park fueled fierce competition. The day opened with the highly anticipated First Race, a charitable head-to-head showdown between Dustyn Caudle and Chris Padgett, raising $1,150 for Youth Services of Tulsa. Money was raised by participants and fans “betting” on their favorite driver right there on the starting line. Another thrilling charity match saw Brian Acton and Cody Walker battling fiercely down the strip, generating an additional $1,000 donation as Group A took to the track.

Support from sponsors like Mahle Motorsports North America, with Adam driving from North Carolina to attend, and Jeff from Driven Racing Oil, who made the trek from Ohio, was exceptional! In total, the weekend raised over $15,000 for Youth Services of Tulsa, nearly doubling the previous year's donations.

The Circuit 2025 Winners:
WAF Racing Quick Carb
Troy Meek – 8.87

Quickest Nitrous Small Tire by Shahan Performance
Nikko Cristoferi – 10.51

4-Eyed Performance & Jonny Allen Media Biggest Wheelie
Chuck Knecht

Best Bowler
Josh Odom - Score: 209

Scavenger Hunt

1. Robert & Tammy Catron
2. Seth & Gabriel Pennington

Slowest Overall by Stonecipher Racing
Mike Baker – 17.856

Quickest Female by Morrow Photography
Dani Odom – 10.604

Tailgate Shootout
David Bell – 5.669

6.68 Index Shootout
Jeff Mass – Plymouth Valiant

You VS You (57 Cars)

1. Tom Taylor – Two perfect matching timeslips
2. Bobby Bell – 0.001 difference
3. Travis Boltman – 0.002 difference

12.00 Index

1. Beau Denny – 12.014 - FREE Entry into Rocky Mountain Race Week 12.00 Index
2. Nick Robinson – 12.025

11.00 Index

1. Jan Hase – 11.12 - FREE Entry into Rocky Mountain Race Week 11.00 Index
2. Braden Taylor – 11.16

All Motor Small Block

1. CJ Phillips – 10.69
2. Ellie Johnson – 10.863

Gasser Hot Rod

1. Troy Meek – 8.874
2. Patrick Melson – 10.251

Quick Stick

1. Phil Balmaceda – 10.96
2. Malachi Fox – 11.11

All Motor Big Block

1. David Miller – 9.312
2. John Daugherty – 10.564

Motorcycle

1. Chuck Knecht – 11.27

Street Race Power Adder

1. Brian Acton (3-Peat) – 8.641
2. Kody Kutz – 8.978

6.68 Index

1. Scott Barker – 0.025
2. Josh Twehous – 0.112

Heavyweight

1. Chris Padgett – 6.075
2. Seth Pennington – 7.004

Small Tire

1. John Ketch – 5.789
2. Cory Noble – 6.317

Unlimited

1. Jim Parkison – 5.438
2. Josh Reich – 6.442

Spirit of Drag and Drive Award
Robert Voss ("Camp Counselor Bob")

This year's Circuit event was one for the record books, highlighting community spirit, competitive racing, and unparalleled generosity.
Special Thanks
Thank you to all participants, spectators, and sponsors for making this event a tremendous success!
Tracks: Tulsa Raceway Park & Mo-Kan Dragway

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