Photo Review: 2026 Mid-West DRS at Shakedown XXIII

Stellar debuts by two racers in the Stroud Safety Pro Mod were the story at the Summit Racing Equipment portion of Shakedown XXIII held at U.S. 131 Dragway. Robert Gargus and Paige Coughlin set and reset the quickest elapsed times in MWDRS history, with Gargus taking home the crown. Other MWDRS winners included Mike Savoia in Top Sportsman and Jason Jenson in Top Dragster. MWDRS highlights by Dave Oakes.

In his first time in a Pro Mod, Robert Gargus won the event over Aaron Wells and set a new ET record of 3.547.

Another newcomer to pro mod, Paige Coughlin, qualified #1 at a then-record 3.552.

Mike Savoia qualified #1 in Top Sportsman and took home the win over Ron Biondo.

Jason Jensen defeated #1 qualifier Mike Kopko in Top Dragster.

Kye Kelley won a $5000 grudge race over Jason McNeal when McNeal went red. Kelley ran 3.59.

Jason Lee took home the Pro Mod Slammers consolation race title.

Defending series champ Aaron Wells ended up on the 16 car bump at a stout 3.625. He still made the finals.

If there were a burnout contest in top sportsman, Bob Mandell would have been the hands-down winner.


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