Donald Long reveals 2025 Radial Outlaws Drag Racing Series schedule and welcomes shakedown to M-Town

The 2025 Radial Outlaws Racing Series (RORS) schedule has been announced, bringing with it a series of exciting events that will take small tire drag racing to new levels. Highlights include the M-Town Shakedown, a legendary race now taking place May 29-31 at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. Known for its world-class racing surface and facilities, US 131 provides the perfect home for this storied event, now in its 22nd year.

Donald “Duck” Long, the visionary promoter of RORS and a driving force in the growth of small tire drag racing, is excited about the addition of the Shakedown to the series. Long’s career has been defined by his commitment to giving Radial racers the recognition they deserve, a mission that continues with the addition of this groundbreaking event.

“I have always believed in providing racers with a stage worthy of their talent, and US 131 Motorsports Park is exactly that,” Long said. “Shakedown has always been about bringing together the best small tire racers, and this track’s reputation for hard squatting makes it the perfect place to continue that tradition. We’re taking this event to the next level.”

As the Shakedown begins this new chapter, Long expressed his gratitude to Tyler Crossnoe and the team at Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP) that has hosted the event for the past few years. Under her leadership, the Shakedown cemented its place as a must-see event and gained widespread respect in the drag racing community.

“Tyler and the VMP team did an incredible job on the shakedown,” Long said. “They have been instrumental in keeping this event at the forefront of small tire racing and I am grateful for everything they have done to build the legacy that we will continue in 2025.”

The addition of the shakedown reflects Long’s longstanding commitment to improving small tire drag racing. Long is known for changing the way radial racing is treated and was among the first to equate these competitors with the big tire classes. This philosophy has driven the success of its flagship events, including the legendary “Lights Out” and “No Mercy” races, which have become staples of the drag racing calendar.

“When we first started, Radial guys would park in the weeds and race for pennies. I didn’t like that,” Long explained. “We flipped the script – tested them, put them in the spotlight and paid them what they deserved. That’s why we’re here today.”

The 2025 RORS season begins in January with the US Street Nationals in Bradenton, Florida, and includes major events such as Radial Revolution in February and Battle for the Thrones in March. The M-Town Shakedown at the end of May will be a major highlight, bringing together the best small tire racers from around the world to take part in an unforgettable weekend. Every race on the calendar showcases the intense competition and camaraderie that has made small tire drag racing a global phenomenon.

David Hance, who made the Shakedown an industry-defining event, laid the foundation for its continued success. Long is determined to continue that legacy. “We’re building on what David Hance started with the Shakedown and getting it to a place where it can thrive for many years to come,” Long said. “This is more than a race – it’s about keeping a tradition alive and giving racers and fans something truly special.”

Long’s commitment to racing extends beyond the racetrack, with personalized trophies, instant payouts and a level of attention to detail that has earned him unparalleled loyalty in the sport. His approach has made the Radial Outlaws Racing Series the preferred destination for small-tire competitors.

The 2025 schedule also includes the Bama Outlaws in Alabama and No Mercy 16 at South Georgia Motorsports Park in October, with each event promising exciting excitement and unforgettable moments for fans and racers alike.

The M-Town Shakedown represents a new chapter in the history of the Radial Outlaws Racing Series. US 131 Motorsports Park is ready to welcome the small tire drag racing community to its world-class facilities. Long’s vision continues to drive the sport forward and ensure its place at the top of the drag racing world.

This story was originally published on December 3, 2024.