Check this, Bad News for No Prep Racing, No Time Kings Delayed: Car Counts Drop Seriously!
In a move that signals a major shift in the drag racing world, No Time Kings has postponed its much-anticipated Lizzy Musi Memorial Race, originally scheduled for July at Galla Motorsports Park. Citing low turnout and logistical issues, promoter Jim Howe and his team are rescheduling the race for fall—refunding tickets and hoping to rebuild momentum.
But this isn’t just a rescheduling issue. This is a clear sign that the foundation of big tire racing is cracking, and a new era is rising in its place.
Big Names, Big Payouts… Still Low Turnout
Despite offering an impressive $40,000 to the winner and $10,000 to the runner-up, No Time Kings couldn’t fill a 32-car field. And they’re not alone—Speed Promotions Racing has faced the same challenge throughout 2024, rarely attracting more than 18 to 19 cars per big tire event.
So, why the struggle?
The Harsh Reality of Big Tire Racing Today
Today’s big tire cars are no longer backyard builds—they’re essentially steel-bodied ProMods that require:
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3,500+ horsepower
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Advanced chassis setups
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Six-figure investments
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Years of R&D
These cars are expected to run 3.70s on prep just to be competitive. For most racers, especially independent or grassroots competitors, that’s simply unsustainable.
Even legends like Dominator, Doc, and Bobby Ducote have been forced to the sidelines—not due to lack of passion, but because they can’t afford to rebuild their programs to meet today’s standards.
A New Era: Small Tire and No Time Classes on the Rise
Meanwhile, small tire and no-time no prep racing are exploding in popularity. When Speed Promotions hosted a $100,000 small tire race, it attracted 63 cars—triple the average big tire count.
Why the Shift?
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Lower entry costs
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More diverse builds
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Closer, less predictable racing
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Greater accessibility for grassroots racers
Small tire racing brings back the underdog energy that fans love. It’s not just about high-dollar builds anymore—it’s about skill, tuning, and determination.
The Death of Big Tire? Or the Rebirth of Real Racing?
This transition isn’t just about economics—it’s about preserving the soul of no prep racing. For years, big tire classes were seen as the peak of the sport. But now, that elite status is acting as a wall, keeping out the very racers who once fueled the scene’s growth.
In contrast, small tire no prep is more raw, more exciting, and more relatable. It reminds fans of the roots of street racing—when anyone with a fast car and the guts to show up could become a legend.
The Path Forward: Evolution Is Survival
Even Jim Howe has acknowledged the need for change, hinting at a future transition from big tire to no-time radial or small tire classes. And that may be exactly what No Time Kings and other series need to survive—and thrive.
Promoters who embrace the shift will tap into:
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Higher car counts
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More thrilling competition
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Stronger fan engagement
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Viral online content and growth
Conclusion: The Future of No Prep Is Small, Fast, and Fierce
Big tire racing won’t disappear entirely—it will always have its place at exhibitions and match races. But as a touring series format, the writing is on the wall. The future of no prep racing lies in affordable, high-drama formats that bring new racers to the line and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
If you’re a racer priced out of big tire competition, don’t walk away—gear up for the next chapter. Small tire is where the next generation of stars will rise, not from million-dollar haulers, but from garages and grassroots passion.
This is more than a pivot.
This is a revolution in drag racing.
And it’s only just beginning.
