Reigning World Series of Pro Mod Champion Derek Ward Accepts DI Winter Series Invitation
Derek Ward, who solidified his name in the Pro Modified history book when he won the 2024 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in March, will be one of the dozens of Pro Mod drivers competing in the inaugural Drag Illustrated Winter Series, race officials announced today. Ward and his screw-blown ’68 Firebird will attempt to defend his World Series of Pro Mod victory in March 2025 after competing in the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals in December and the U.S. Street Nationals in January 2025, all at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
Ward, the 2023 Northeast Outlaw Pro Modified Association (NEOPMA) season champion, raced through four rounds of eliminations at the World Series of Pro Mod in early March to meet four-time PDRA Pro Nitrous world champion Jim Halsey in the $100,000-to-win final round. Ward pulled off the win in the blower versus nitrous oxide match, earning the cash, the bragging rights, and a spot on the cover of Drag Illustrated’s WSOPM Issue.
As the reigning WSOPM champion, Ward was one of the first drivers invited to compete in the DI Winter Series, which includes the historic Snowbird Outlaw Nationals on Dec. 6-8, 2024; the U.S. Street Nationals on Jan. 24-26, 2025; and the World Series of Pro Mod Feb. 27 to March 1, 2025.
“We couldn’t have the DI Winter Series without our reigning World Series of Pro Mod champion, Derek Ward,” said Wes Buck, DI founder and Winter Series promoter. “Derek and his team proved that they’re among the most competitive drivers and teams in Pro Mod racing when they outlasted 60-plus other drivers to win the World Series in March. We want the quickest, fastest, most competitive drivers taking part in the inaugural Winter Series, but we’re also looking for people who share our vision for Pro Mod racing and the sport in general. Derek is one of those guys, and we’re thrilled he accepted his invitation.”
In addition to big-money payouts at all three races, the Winter Series will also crown an overall series champion, a factor that appeals to Ward.
“I’m just looking to repeat what we did in March,” said Ward, who also holds the PDRA Pro Boost E.T. national record. “We had a good car and a consistent car, so hopefully we can keep that momentum going into the Winter Series. We’re looking forward to these races as a group. The points series is exciting. It’s something to look forward to during the winter.”
Before winning the World Series, Ward ran well at Bradenton’s Snowbirds and U.S. Street Nationals. He’s hoping to add victories at those two races to his résumé, with his eye on the overall championship as well.
“Truthfully, I’d love to win all three,” Ward said. “That’s what we go down there to try to do. It just has to be your day. Everything has to come together on race day. It’s not easy. If you keep doing good at all three, you win the points championship, which I think we have a good chance to do that. We have a pretty consistent car right now. We ran good at all three races and won the World Series.”
The Snowbird Outlaw Nationals, U.S. Street Nationals, and World Series of Pro Mod will all also feature a wide range of classes in addition to Pro Mod.
This story was originally published on October 15, 2024.
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