Haney Wins 2023 MWDRS Pro Mod Title

 TULSA, OK (Oct. 25, 2023) -- It came down to the last of eight events in

the 2023 Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series presented

by J&A Service, when veteran driver Keith Haney sealed the deal Oct. 21 at

Xtreme Raceway Park on his second MWDRS Pro Mod championship.

Haney, who also is the founder and owner of the MWDRS, went into the

event holding a slim five-point advantage over second-place Steven

Whiteley.

After qualifying third, Haney did his job Saturday afternoon, driving his

nitrous-boosted Black Mamba" 2019 Camaro to a 3.65-seconds win at

205.48 mph over Tony Strachan in the opening round of racing. Meanwhile,

second-place starter Whiteley left 13-thousandths of a second too soon,

negating a 3.66 pass that would have advanced him past Aaron Wells, who

was forced to shut down early.

It is very surreal, I guess you could call it, but it was a hard-fought battle

all the way to the finish," Haney said after clinching his second Pro Mod

championship and third MWDRS season title after doubling up in 2018 as the

Drag Radial and Pro Mod champions.

Steven Whiteley has become a good friend of mine and he's a fierce

competitor. Great on the light, fast, wonderful family and team. I'm more

nervous racing him than I am anybody in the series,  Haney said of his

season-long rival. But I'm glad it's over and we won.

Haney and his Tulsa-based team, led by nitrous tuning wizard and crew chief

Brandon Switzer, combined for three wins in six final-round appearances

over eight events in the 2023 MWDRS season.

When it comes to that car, I owe everything to Brandon Switzer. He's a

literal genius with it, Haney declared. He also taught me how to drive

better.

In the middle of last year, he sat me down, showed me my mistakes as a

driver. So he taught me how to drive better, which made a big difference. I

finished the last three years in third place and this year in first place. And I

owe that to Brandon, his continuous effort to work on the program and run

the ETs

Haney said his team, including 11-year crewman Dale Hancock, engine

expert Shane Goodnight, plus Steve Cooks and new-hire Bobby

Savedra, all came together in a way he's never experienced before.

&It's all about our preparation, I told my team this and they grasped that

championships are not won at the racetracks. They mostly won in the

shop with the preparation, the attention to detail, with everything that

matters the most, he said.

So I owe it all to my team, but to my wife Misty and the kids, too. The thing

that changed mainly this year, the middle of last year really, is that we built

the race shop, everything's at the house now. Its a lot better.

At this year Xtreme finale, Wells recovered to beat Keith Goolsby in the

semis while Haney made a solo pass to reach the final round.

Unfortunately, Haney seemed to forget some of Switzer's lessons once he

got there last weekend as he was way late on the tree, negating a quicker

3.65 at 205.10 while Wells posted 3.72 at 206.42 to win the final MWDRS

event of the year.

I let my team down in the race, meaning after the championship was won

the new champ freely admitted. ; A lot of people don't realize the level of

stress and the energy that it takes away from you by always being on edge.”

When I went up there, I was so relaxed and I made the comment to myself

that we don't have any pressure. Well, I ended up cutting the worst light

that I've cut in probably two, or three years. I was just too relaxed. I forgot to

finish the job and I apologized to my guys for that.

Haney said he was racing this year in memory of chassis builder Jerry Bickel,

who built the fan-favorite Black Mamba but passed away in April this year

and my great friend Ronnie Hobbs. He also credited Switzer Dynamics, Pat

Musi Race Engines, Icon Forged Pistons, Stroud Safety, Race Star Wheels,

Total Seal, Strange Engineering and Kryptonite Kuztoms among his longest-

standing supporters, as well as singled out primary sponsor Summit Racing

Equipment for its long-standing support.

I know Summit has plenty of championships, but I do not know how many

Pro Mod championships they got -- but they've got one now; Haney happily

declared.

Still, despite earning the right to carry the No. 1 on his car again next

season, Haney stressed he was far from resting on his laurels. In fact, he

promises to have something coming soon to shake the sport of drag racing

to its core.

And it'll be before PRI (Dec. 7-9) so people can plan what they're going to

do in 2024 he continued. It is for Pro Mods in particular, but it for other

classes, too. And when I say the biggest announcement, the biggest

announcement of any promoter, any series, anything, it is the biggest.

What coming will shock everybody

-- END --

Photo: Randy Curtis

Keith Haney Racing thanks Summit Racing Equipment, Strange Engineering, Pat

Musi Racing Engines, Switzer Dynamics, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Stroud Safety,

Race Star Wheels, Icon Forged Pistons, Kryptonite Kustomz, Precision Racing

Suspensions, Callies Performance Products, Atomizer Fuel Systems, Total Seal

Piston Rings, OK Auto Direct, Motec Systems USA, RacingJunk.com Classifieds,

Tulsa Raceway Park, Pit-Pro Custom Carts and Scag Power Equipment.

Keith Haney Takes Mid-West Drag Racing Series Pro Mod In Michigan

 

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Keith Haney emerged triumphant in the
Stroud Safety Pro Mod category during the Mid-West Drag Racing Series US 131
Nationals held at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.
Haney entered the weekend with a broken drive shaft and transmission after competing
at the Yellow bullet Nationals at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland.
However, Haney and his team worked tirelessly to rectify the mechanical issues.

“We had our fair share of challenges,” said Haney, Mid-West Drag Racing Serie
Founder and also the driver behind the wheel of the nitrous oxide-injected Pro Mod
Camaro, “Black Mamba.”
“We go up for Q1, and we go 3.66, which puts us as the number two qualifier. I should
have lifted, but I didn’t,” Haney admitted. “I stayed in it, went .66, and got pretty close to
the wall.”
Despite setbacks in Q2 due to faulty spark plugs, the “Black Mamba” roared back in Q3
with a spectacular 3.64. Saturday’s performance
showcased Haney’s driving acumen,
as he recorded 3.65 in both rounds one and two. Anticipating the wear and tear on the
engine, the team played it strategically during round three once they found out they had
a bye due to the on-track crash between Steven Whitley and Ron Muenks. Haney
simply took the tree and then backed up, preserving the motor for the final round.
The finals against Ed Thornton were a testament to Haney’s skill and the team’s
meticulous tuning. “Having Ed Thornton in the final round with a turbo car that goes 229
MPH – it feels like it’s taking the paint off the side of your car when it goes by.”
Even after being compelled to lift off due to the car pushing towards the wall, Haney
clocked an impressive 3.69-second pass at 190 MPH.
“Truthfully, the team did an amazing job. The racetrack, absolutely hands down, Jimmy
Bradshaw, Samuel Peterson, and Jason Peterson, are just hands down, a great facility
and, a wonderful event,” said Haney. “Also, thank you to my wife [Misty], who always
takes care of me. I couldn’t do it without her.”
With this victory, Haney has reclaimed the points lead in the Stroud Safety Pro Mod
class. Now, he has his sights set on the upcoming double-event in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
from October 6-7 at Osage Tulsa Raceway Park.

Great Weekend in St. Louis for Keith Haney Racing

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma (August 22, 2023) - The KHR team rolled into World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on Thursday with high expectations and the Stroud Safety Pro Mod points lead.

“When we left here July 1st, the weather was a mess. It was hard to leave knowing I was leading the points and wanted to finish the event so badly”, states Haney. “I couldn’t wait to finish it. We’ve had consistency this year and Brandon (Switzer) has Black Mamba on a string”.

The makeup race from June, Keith beat Chris Juliano in the first round but fell to Brandon Snider (driving the Steven Whiteley Camaro) 3.701 to his 3.643 in the second round.

In Race Star Wheels Pro Junior Dragster, Kilee bested Sarah Stewart in the first round but a red light start (-.002) in the second round to Brody Zimmerman took her out early.

“It was great to get that round win. I’ve been working on my lights since I started driving and it was just a little too quick in the second round”, states Kilee.

With little time to spare, the pair had to turn their focus on running another complete event soon after.

For the schedule second event, Kilee unfortunately made a first-round exit against Alexis Kesterson. The weekend didn’t end there though, as the first-round losers from both junior classes can enter the Junior Slammers class.

“I really wanted to make more passes. It helps me to be able to work on my reaction times and top end numbers”, states Kilee. “I love being out here racing with everyone.”

Once in the Junior Slammers class, Kilee was on a mission! Three consistent passes over opponents including Jaxin Reed and the finals over Cayden Duell gave Kilee her first win.

“I couldn’t be more excited. I am so thankful to my mom and Keith as well as all the help from the KHR crew. Lots of other racers in my class have offered advice and it has really helped me.”

In Stroud Safety Pro Mod, Keith was eager to get back into competition and earn the points lead back from Whiteley Racing. With a solid qualifying effort of 3.685, Keith started eliminations from the third qualifying position.

First round, Haney ran 3.707 over Mark Werdehausen. Second round momentum carried him to a 3.672 over Tony “Sandman” Williams. Heading into the semis, the competition also stepped up. Steven Whiteley ran a 3.631 to beat Keith’s 3.659.

“Even though we went out in the semis, I’m so excited about the consistency and the mid-60’s passes. Brandon (crew chief Switzer) said he would ‘leave the crankshaft on the track’ if he needed too.”

The Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series heads to US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan September 8-9 for the Funny Car Nationals. All the MWDRS events are streamed live on FloRacing.

For further information about the Midwest Drag Racing Series and upcoming events, visit midwestdragracingseries.com or connect with us on our social platforms.

Subscribe to FloRacing using the unique QR Code or View Racing Action: https://flosports.link/41lIYAs

Keith Haney Kicks off Season with Impressive Performance

 Noble, Oklahoma - June 8, 2023 - Keith Haney Racing (KHR) started the season on a high note
with an outstanding performance in the first three races of the year. The team showcased their
skill and determination, delivering remarkable results on the track.

When rain postponed the Mid-West Drag Racing Series season-opener at Xtreme Raceway Park
in Ferris, Texas, the race was contested in Tulsa on Wednesday Thursday May 10-11. An
impressive field of cars battled it out and Black Mamba was runner-up to Brandon Snider
driving the Steven Whiteley-owned Camaro.

With just three days between, the team headed to XRP for the Xtreme Outlaw Pro Mod race.
Despite initial weather setbacks, the KHR team made their mark during qualifying (which he
calmed the #1 Spot) and eliminations. Keith Haney, driving with precision and speed, set career-
best times throughout the event. His first-round victory against Satterwhite featured an
impressive time of 3.638 seconds at 204.82 mph. Haney continued his winning streak in the
second round, clocking in at 3.627 seconds at 206.42 mph, defeating Kevin Hargett.
Unfortunately, the winning streak came to an end in a close race against Doug Riesterer, with
Haney posting a solid time of 3.644 seconds at 206.42 mph.

Reflecting on the event, Haney shared,;I promised Gaylen Smith. Clyde Scott that I would
participate in the Ironman Pro Mod race as a show of support since we had to postpone our
MWDRS season opener in March. It was a great weekend, filled with fun and pure racing,without the pressure of a series or a specific track.

With just a two-week break, the KHR team swiftly moved to the Thunder Valley venue in Noble,
Oklahoma. The new owners had made improvements, and the track received high praise from
the track prep of Samuel Peterson from US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. Although
the forecast impacted the turnout, those in attendance were treated to thrilling side-by-side
runs. Haney's qualifying runs secured him the third position in the field with an impressive time
of 3.686 seconds.

The eliminations saw Haney's consistent performance continue. He defeated Chris Juliano with
a time of 3.713 seconds, followed by a victory over Ed Thornton with a time of 3.664 seconds.
In the semi-finals, Haney clocked in at 3.687 seconds, defeating Mike Labbate. The final round
showcased an intense battle between Haney and Steven Whiteley, with Haney emerging as the
victor with a time of 3.662 seconds. Additionally, Haney engaged in a thrilling $2500 side bet
with Jim Whiteley, adding to the excitement of the race.

Keith Haney expressed his joy at being back on the track with his family, stating, "It was good to
be back at the track, at home, with my whole family. My stepdaughter Kilee also had a
memorable weekend, making her first passes in competition at Tulsa and securing her first-ever
round win in Noble.

I want to take a moment and thank my Wife Misty Haney and the best crew a man could have
which has been with me through the good and the bad times, Dale Hancock, Shane Goodnight,
Little Bobby Savedra, Steve Cooks and the GREATEST TUNER of all times Brandon Switzer.

The Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series will continue its journey to
Worldwide Technology Raceway near St. Louis on June 30 - July 1. Fans can catch all the
exhilarating races, as they are streamed live in their entirety on FloRacing. To stay updated and
enjoy the coverage, please subscribe at: https://flosports.link/41lIYAs

ABOUT KEITH HANEY RACING

Based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Keith Haney Racing (www.keithhaneyracing.com) competes in the
Summit Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) presented by J&A Service, select NHRA, PDRA and
NMCA races and one-off special events. Keith Haney Racing appreciates the support of Summit Racing
Equipment, Lucas Oil, Strange Engineering, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Kryptonite
Kustomz, RacingJunk.com, MoTeC Systems USA, Switzer Dynamics, OkAutosDirect.com, Race Star
Wheels, Stroud Safety, Total Seal Piston Rings, M&M Transmission, Precision Racing Suspension, Tulsa Raceway Park, Callies and UEM Pistons.

Revving Up the Competition as Keith Haney Heads to the World Series of Pro Mod

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma (February 28, 2023) – Keith Haney Racing (KHR) is set
to compete in the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod on March
3-5, 2023, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Haney and his team have left
their Oklahoma shop and are ready to test during the week to gear up
for the big race.

With the team having ended the previous season with a runner-up, Haney
believes all the off-season work will be a big benefit for the team.
The team has made many upgrades, including a new motorhome and
trailer, replacing the one KHR had campaigned for 18 years.

“Brandon (Switzer) has made some big changes. We really feel like we
ended the season on a high note with a Runner-Up finish at the Summit
Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series finale at Xtreme Raceway
Park in October,” states Keith Haney. “We’ve got a lot to build on.”

Haney is excited to compete against fellow series owner (PDRA) Tommy
Franklin. Franklin and Haney will square off Friday night in the
“Rivals” pairings during qualifying.

“I really feel like we are organized and on our game. The opportunity
to race fellow series owner Tommy Franklin is huge. We don’t get the
chance much and we are going after it. Nitrous on Nitrous. May the
best win,” states Haney.

Although 50-plus drivers have been invited to the WSOPM, only the 32
quickest drivers will qualify for a chance to win the $100,000
winner-take-all cash prize. Haney is confident that he and his team
are organized and ready to take on the challenge, even though the
rules require him to add 75lbs to the car which was shocking, but the
team will do what we have to do to “Show Up and Show Out”.

“We’ve got a bunch of the MWDRS guys headed South to battle as well.
We are all excited to bring back the cash to the Mid-West. I’ll remind
you, You Know My Name!” said Haney.

“I’m excited that my wife, Misty, and all our kids are coming to
Florida to support me for this amazing race,” Haney said. “This is
very rare with all the farm animals, sports, and other activities they
have going on. I’m excited to share this moment with them.”

Keith Haney Racing would like to thank their marketing partners for
their support, including Summit Racing Equipment, Strange Engineering,
Switzer Dynamics, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Jerry Bickel Race Cars,
Kryptonite Kustomz, RacingJunk.com, MoTeC Systems USA,
OkAutosDirect.com, Race Star Wheels, Stroud Safety, Total Seal Piston
Rings, Precision Racing Suspension, Tulsa Raceway Park, Callies,
Energy Manufacturing and UEM Pistons.

For more information on the WSOPM and to purchase tickets, check out
www.WorldSeriesofProMod.com.

Please subscribe to FloRacing: https://flosports.link/3y4RUgd

Watch all 2023 MWDRS Races: https://flosports.link/41lIYAs

###

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http://www.midwestdragracingseries.com/    Mid-West Drag Racing Series
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Media Contact:
Ellen Eschenbacher – Event Marketing Director –
Ellen@midwestpromodseries.com – (317) 719-9672

Keith Haney Looking Forward To Bringing Back Pro Mod Rivalry, Racing East Coast Drivers At World Series Of Pro Mod

 

Mid-West Drag Racing Series Founder Keith Haney is locked in for the Drag Illustrated
World Series of Pro Mod, March 3-5, 2023, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Haney also
happens to be the driver of one of the fastest nitrous oxide-injected Pro Mods, a
Camaro nicknamed “Black Mamba.”
“I couldn’t be happier to be able to go race against the East Coast guys,” stated Haney.
“They talk a lot of smack about us Mid-West guys, but we always seem to be the
fastest. It’s going to be exciting to race against some of them I haven’t raced against in
years.”
Haney is especially looking to relight the fire against one of his long-time rivals at the
$100,000-to-win WSOPM.
“What better place than to get Stevie Jackson and me back together, one of the biggest
rivalries in drag racing?” he rhetorically asked. Haney pointed out their Lights Out
grudge racing days, specifically in 2018 when he lost to Jackson. “The starting line had
as many people on the starting line as you could put and then some.
“Stevie and I are friends, but not friends,” Haney laughed. “It’s going be fun.”

There are 40-plus drivers invited to the WSOPM, but only 32 of the quickest will qualify
to have a shot at the $100,000 winner-take-all cash prize. As a matter of fact, Haney
quickly rattled off that 13 Mid-West Drag Racing Series drivers have accepted their
invitation to the event set for March 3-5.
“We’re excited, us Mid-West guys, to go pick on the East Coast guys,” Haney said. “You
all call it the WSOPM, but I call it the Super Bowl.”
When asked what the best-case scenario would be for Haney and his crew, he
answered, “Kick everybody’s ass. I don’t care about the money – I just want to kick
everybody’s ass in front of me.”

Ticket link: https://tickets.thefoat.com/wsopm/event-240850/clear_cart-1

ADVERTISEMENT. SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING.

Haney plans on doing just that with his Summit Racing/Strange Engineering “Black
Mamba” Camaro. Those familiar with “Black Mamba” know that Haney’s name is
nowhere to be found on the car.
“On the side of the car, it doesn’t have my name on it. It just says, ‘You Know My
Name,’ and if you don’t, you will when I get there. There’s a little cockiness in there, and
I love it,” confessed Haney.
Furthermore, his record with Bradenton Motorsports Park has been storied, but he’s
looking forward to returning to the dragstrip.
“I’ve been upside down and on fire. Bradenton and I are friends and not friends,” he said
jokingly. “I love Victor [Alvarez], the racetrack and the facility, and Wade [Rich].”

Haney is excited for his long-time tuner, Brandon Switzer, to show off at the event.
“He’s the fastest nitrous tuner in the world. I couldn’t do it without him,” he said. “I’m also
excited for my marketing partners: Summit Racing Equipment, Lucas Oil, Strange
Engineering, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Kryptonite
Kustomz, RacingJunk.com, MoTeC Systems USA, Switzer
Dynamics, OkAutosDirect.com, Race Star Wheels, Stroud Safety, Total Seal Piston
Rings, Precision Racing Suspension, Tulsa Raceway Park, Callies and UEM Pistons.”
For more information on the WSOPM and to purchase tickets, check
out www.WorldSeriesofProMod.com.

Keith Haney Closes Out 2022 Season with Runner-Up Finish in Pro Mod at MWDRS Xtreme Texas World Finals

 

TULSA, Okla. (Oct. 27, 2022) – Keith Haney accomplished his goal of finishing off the 2022 Summit Racing Equipment Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) presented by J&A Service season on a high note, as he raced to a runner-up finish in Stroud Safety Pro Mod at the Xtreme Texas World Finals at Xtreme Raceway Park. Haney in his nitrous-assisted “Black Mamba” Camaro left the starting line first in the final round, but came up short at the finish line with a 3.676-second pass at 204.36 MPH to Ron Muenks’ 3.618 at 208.62. 
 
“It's a good, positive start to 2023 that we're already excited about getting started on, even though it's not until March,” Haney said. “But it was a great team effort. Without the crew and my family there, we couldn't have gotten to where we were. We had a lot of thrashing going on – changed motors and tore down a couple motors. My team – Dale Hancock, Shane Goodnight, Andy Hoffman, Steve Cooks, Brandon Switzer, Lil Bobby Savedra – they worked their butts off to get us to the finals. I drove good. I had good lights – a great light in the final, just didn't have enough in it to get that .61.”
 
The No. 5 qualifier, Haney started race day with a 3.739 at 202.61 over Keith Goolsby, followed by a 3.713 at 203.16 over Tony Strachan’s 3.869. The Oklahoma native then used a holeshot advantage and 3.669 at 204.17 to defeat newly crowned champion Dustin Nesloney and his 3.673. 

 
The runner-up finish allowed Haney to finish third in points, a solid finish considering he went into the Xtreme Texas World Finals just outside the top 5. He’s the only driver with a nitrous car in the top 10. Still, the past series champion was looking for more and hopes to come back even stronger in 2023. 
 
“We didn't have the year that we wanted,” Haney said. “It was a good year, but it wasn't great. We needed another runner-up finish or a win to get up there to the No. 2 spot, but I was happy to get to the third spot, that's for sure. Especially being the only nitrous car up there. I'm just a little behind on power to the screw cars and the ProChargers. We have to work to get there. It's not so easy to make those low 3.60 runs without hurting stuff.”
 
The season finale was the high point of the year for Haney, but he also counts the experience of racing with his Keith Haney Racing team and the MWDRS family as a season-long highlight. 
 
“Our team has been together a long time,” Haney said. “That's probably the highlight, the fun that we've had racing together. This race was big for us, though. We really worked hard to get to where we were. Everything fell into place once we started eliminations. Finishing third in points and finishing the year going to the finals, I think that was probably our highlight for the year.”
 
Along with his crew, Haney offered up thanks to his family and the team’s sponsors for their support of his program this season. 

 
“I want to thank my wife, Misty, and my kids for supporting me,” Haney said. “Obviously, my crew deserves a ton of credit for their efforts all season. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our longtime partners like Summit Racing Equipment, Strange Engineering, Kryptonite Kustomz, Lucas Oil, RacingJunk.com, and Total Seal Piston Rings.”
 
Haney and his team will celebrate their 2022 season at the MWDRS Awards Banquet Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Claremore, Okla.
 
###
 
ABOUT KEITH HANEY RACING
Based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Keith Haney Racing (www.keithhaneyracing.com) competes in the Summit Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) presented by J&A Service, select NHRA, PDRA and NMCA races and one-off special events. Keith Haney Racing appreciates the support of Summit Racing Equipment, Lucas Oil, Strange Engineering, Pat Musi Racing Engines, Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Kryptonite Kustomz, RacingJunk.com, MoTeC Systems USA, Switzer Dynamics, OkAutosDirect.com, Race Star Wheels, Stroud Safety, Total Seal Piston Rings, M&M Transmission, Precision Racing Suspension, Tulsa Raceway Park, Callies and UEM Pistons.