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FAST, LOUD AND UNSTOPPABLE– XDA Season Opener Delivers the Heat
The 31st annual Platinum General Services event, proudly presented by the XDA, erupted into action at Maryland International Raceway, delivering an unforgettable weekend of high-octane two-wheel warfare. As one of the most anticipated events of the season, this East Coast powerhouse set the tone for an electrifying year of motorcycle drag racing.
Over the course of three adrenaline-soaked days, racers from across the country descended on the legendary MIR quarter-mile, blending raw horsepower with razor-sharp skill. New faces stormed the staging lanes with something to prove, while XDA veterans returned with unfinished business and championship ambitions.
Friday and Saturday weren’t without challenges, as Mother Nature once again attempted to rain on the parade. But as always, the unstoppable XDA and MIR teams rose to the occasion. With unmatched professionalism and relentless hustle, the staff fought through the delays, dried the surface, and delivered a world-class racetrack for the competitors. No round was left unfinished. No opportunity wasted. The racing was intense, the stakes were high, and the crowd was on their feet from the first burnout to the final stripe.
This wasn’t just another race—it was a statement: the 2025 XDA season has officially kicked off, and it’s coming in fast and loud.
Orient Express Racing Pro Street
Winner – Rodney Williford / Runner-up – Mark Rendeluk
The 2025 season opener for the Orient Express Pro Street class delivered fireworks right out of the gate. With 21 bikes in the qualifying field, the stage was set for a high-horsepower showdown. Reigning champion Rodney Williford wasted no time asserting his dominance, rocketing to the top with a 6.402-second pass at 235.35 mph. But he wasn’t alone in the 40s club—Mark Rendeluk (6.409), Jason Dunigan (6.429), and Tony Ficher (6.496) all showed they’re ready to make Williford earn it this year.
In Round One, Williford opened strong with a 6.430 at a blistering 237.55 mph to eliminate Jamie Lopes, while Rendeluk powered past Kaleb Wood with a 6.403. The 40s storm continued in Round Two, as Williford, Rendeluk, and Dunigan advanced with runs of 6.402, 6.493, and 6.473, respectively.
The semi-finals saw Williford unleash a jaw-dropping 6.301 at 240.94 mph—the second-quickest and fastest run in Pro Street history. Meanwhile, teammates Rendeluk and Dunigan squared off, but a mechanical failure for Dunigan in the water box handed the round to Rendeluk, setting up a thrilling final fight.
In the final, Williford was razor-sharp on the tree with a .014 reaction time, edging out Rendeluk’s .047. Rendeluk gained ground briefly in the first 60 feet, but Williford’s power surged hard down track. Near the eighth-mile, Rendeluk’s shaft cover, spraying oil onto his back tire and nearly sending him sideways. Williford capitalized on the misfortune, clocking a 6.383 at 239.19 mph for the win.
With another commanding performance, Williford starts the 2025 season in familiar territory—on top. But judging by the numbers, he’s got serious challengers this year who are closing in fast.
DME Racing Real Street
Winner – Marcus Hylton / Runner-up – Rickey Gadson
The DME Racing Real Street class made history at the 2025 XDA season opener with a record-setting turnout of 25 competitors. Caleb Holt led a tightly packed qualifying field with a commanding 7.412-second pass, while Ty Issac secured the final qualifying spot with a 7.970. The intense competition meant nine riders—including champion David Stewart and 2024 season finale winner Dystany Spurlock—missed the cut for the 16-bike field. Those riders battled it out in the Real Street ‘B’ class, where Spurlock came back strong to claim the victory.
Marcus Hylton
After a challenging 2024 season, former class champion Marcus Hylton returned with renewed focus. He was locked in from the start, taking out heavy hitters Jamie Lopes, Sean Henson, and top qualifier Caleb Holt to earn his spot in the final. In the semifinal, Hylton scored a clutch holeshot win over Holt, who still ran an impressive 7.363.
On the other side of the ladder, Rickey Gadson was on a mission, dispatching a tough lineup that included Spencer Claycomb, Chris Moore, and David Fondon to advance to the final round.
In the showdown, it was Hylton’s Hayabusa against Gadson’s ZX-10. Both riders launched nearly simultaneously—Hylton with a .040 light to Gadson’s .047. Hylton gained the edge early and held strong to the stripe, crossing the line first with a 7.389 to Gadson’s 7.509, securing a statement win to open the season.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme
Winner – Brunson Grothus / Runner-up – Terry Schweigert
The MaxxECU Pro Xtreme 1/8-mile heads-up class launched the 2025 XDA season at full throttle, with a stacked field of thirteen fearless riders. Tommy Saxon set the tone early, lighting up the scoreboards in qualifying with the only three-second pass of the session—a blistering 3.993.
Saxon rode that momentum into the semi-finals, where he faced Terry Schweigert, who had been steadily laying down three-second runs of his own throughout Sunday. Schweigert delivered a stout 3.929 to eliminate Saxon and advance to the final.
As the two titans staged for the final, anticipation crackled through the grandstands. Both had been unstoppable all day, making it anyone’s race. Grothus nailed the tree with a sharp .050 reaction time, while Schweigert lagged behind with a 1.57. Though Schweigert’s machine rocketed to a quicker 3.904 elapsed time, Grothus’s starting line advantage sealed the deal—his 3.961 was enough to take the win by margin.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme is presented by Billy Vose Racing, Fast by Gast, Dunigan Racing, DME Racing, Grothus Dragbikes, Harley Haul, Rob Bush Motorsports, Robinson Industries, Schnitz Racing, Timblin Chassis, and Worldwide Bearings, Pro Performance and Mikronite.
HTP Performance Super Stock
Winner – Jeremy Teasley / Runner-up – Caleb Holt
The HTP Performance Super Stock class delivered a thrilling showcase of skill and strategy, where precision riding was the key to victory. Caleb Holt set the tone early by claiming the number one qualifying position with a strong 8.797 pass.
Jeremy Teasley
Holt’s sharp reaction times and clutch hand carried him to the final round, where he once again faced off with reigning class champion Jeremy Teasley—a rematch of last year’s season opener, which Teasley also won.
In the final, Teasley gained the early advantage with a quicker .114 reaction time, edging out Holt’s .145. As both riders charged down the track, Teasley momentarily lifted into a wheelie at half-track, opening the door for Holt. But just as Holt looked poised to capitalize, his bike encountered issues, forcing him to slow. Teasley quickly recovered, regaining control and charging to the finish line to take the win with an 8.846 over Holt’s off-pace 11.202.
Team Skittles ATV Shootout
Winner – Tevon Huntley / Runner-up – Blake Chavis
Record: Blake Chavis 4.677 at 146.46 mph
The newest addition to the XDA lineup—the Team Skittles ATV Shootout—made an instant impact at the season opener, thrilling fans with high-powered, bar-to-bar action. These wild machines delivered on the hype, with Blake Chavis leading the charge in qualifying. Chavis not only secured the number one spot but also set the class records with a blistering 4.677 pass at 146.46 mph.
Trevon Huntley
While Chavis couldn’t replicate those record-breaking numbers on Sunday, he still battled his way to the final round to face off against the always-tough Tevon Huntley. In this heads-up format, it was a pure drag race to the eighth-mile stripe. Huntley launched hard with a .066 reaction time, putting Chavis at a major disadvantage after his late .227 light. Despite his efforts, Chavis couldn’t close the gap, and Huntley crossed the line first with a 4.885 to Chavis’s 5.672—his slowest run of the weekend.
AGM Booted Bulls
Winner – Malcolm Phillips / Billy Mays
Runner-up – Chris Moore / Melania
The 2023 AGM Booted Bulls champ came back with smoke in his eyes and the points lead in his sights. Malcolm Phillips, riding the beast known as ‘Billy Mays,’ was laser-focused and locked in from the jump. He took out heavy hitters—first David Fondon on ‘Arch Angel,’ then Derek Sobiech on ‘Night Stalker’—to earn his spot in the final against none other than Chris Moore aboard ‘Melania.’
But the drama popped off in the water box. Moore couldn’t get ‘Melania’ to fire, and Phillips, showing nothing but class, waited it out as long as the rules would let him. Eventually, officials had to call it—Phillips fired up and Moore got hit with the 30-second clock. ‘Melania’ stayed quiet, and that sent Phillips on a clean solo to the stripe to take the W.
Phillips didn’t just show up—he showed out. And now he’s back on top, leading the pack with championship energy.
Shore Car Wash Solutions Nitrous Bulls
Winner – Dave Norris / 2 OGS
Runner-up – Aubrey Valentine / Miami Vice
XDA brought the heat when they added Shore Car Wash Solutions Nitrous Bulls back in 2019—and Dave Norris snatched that first-ever championship like a boss. Since then, he’s been laying low, but now the OG is back in the lanes, and he’s got a message for all the young bucks: school is officially in session.
Norris rolled up and handled business, taking out David Fondon on ‘High Roller’ and then knocking off the reigning 2024 champ Tony Patton and his ‘Big Durty’ machine. On the other side, Aubrey Valentine was doing work too—sending Malcolm Phillips on ‘Strip Tease’ and Jeremy Teasley on ‘AMEX’ packing to punch his ticket to the final.
When the final lights dropped, Norris jumped first and never looked back. Valentine was closing in at the 330’ mark, but just as it looked like a comeback was brewing, ‘Miami Vice’ stumbled. Norris stayed locked in, pinned to the stripe, and snatched the W like the legend he is.
East Coast Collision Monster Bulls
Winner – Dany Bernier / Bad Bern
Runner-up – Spencer Claycomb / One Trip
East Coast Collision Monster Bulls brought the smoke—straight pressure from the first pass. The class was stacked with certified killers, and the action came fast. In Round One, Michael Daddio on ‘Overtime’ pulled a savage upset, sendin’ the 2024 champ Crow Teasley and ‘Unhinged’ packin’.
In round two Daddio had a shot at making another headline, this time against 2022 champ Spencer Claycomb. But ‘Overtime’ ain’t cashed enough street checks yet, and Claycomb’s ‘One Trip’ made it clear—he don’t play. He locked in that W and slid right into the final.
The final round was a cross-border banger. Spencer Claycomb vs. Canada’s own Dany Bernier on ‘Bad Bern’—a little USA vs. Canada showdown with the bulls fired up. Bernier snatched a slight jump off the line and kept it clean down the lane while Claycomb fought to close the gap. But the eighth-mile don’t wait for nobody. Bernier held the lead wire-to-wire and shut the door on Claycomb to grab the win for the North.
Hems Site Solutions All Motor Bulls
Winner – LA Payne / Dark Knight
Runner-up – Grover Watford / Obama
The King ain’t givin’ up the crown easy. 2024 Hems Site Solutions All Motor Bulls champ LA Payne came into the season locked in and ready to defend his turf. Aboard the ‘Dark Knight,’ Payne ran through Malcolm Phillips and Daquon Toye like it was light work, punching his ticket to the final and putting the class on notice—he’s still the one to beat.
But the new kid on the block wasn’t playing either. Grover Watford rolled into the class on ‘Obama’ with something to prove. He clapped back at the vets, taking out Mark Blake on ‘Right Away’ and Cody Lowe on ‘Nar Can’ to earn his first shot at XDA glory.
When the final hit, ‘Obama’ came alive—literally. That bike jumped out the gate and stood straight up, clocking a wild eleven o’clock wheelie that had the crowd on their feet. Watford muscled it back down like a boss, but by then, Payne and the ‘Dark Knight’ were already ghostin’ down the lane.
Payne crossed the stripe first, stayed on the throne, and left Maryland still holding the keys to the kingdom.
Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls
Winner – Dez Cue / Tip Toe
Runner-up – Travis Wood / Thunderbolt
Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls stays lit—bringing fresh blood, big smoke, and pure pressure to the lanes. The class continues to grow, and Dez Cue is out here making sure they remember his name. After finishing runner-up in points last season, Cue came back this year with one goal: claim that crown.
And he’s moving like it. Cue ran the gauntlet, taking out Dell Jone on ‘Checkmate,’ Alex Kupetz on ‘Monkey Business,’ and Desmond Spaulding on ‘NWA’ to lock in his spot in the final.
On the other side, Travis Wood was on a mission of his own, making waves aboard ‘Thunderbolt.’ He put in work taking down Mantez Jr on ‘Day of the Dead,’ Myles Taylor on ‘The Kraken,’ and Brian Childress on ‘Jose Wells’ to earn his shot at the win.
But when it came to the final, Cue was ice cold—tucked in, locked on, and ready to ride. Wood got the jump and looked strong off the hit, but ‘Thunderbolt’ got rowdy, trying to wheelie its way into chaos. While Wood wrestled his beast, Cue stayed clean, low, and lethal—sliding past with surgical focus to take ‘Tip Toe’ to the finish line while snatching the points lead.
Dez Cue ain’t just racing—he’s plotting. Championship moves only from here on out.
1 Stop Speed 4.60 Index
Winner – Mike Ostrowski / Runner-up – Ronald Procopio
In the world of 1/8-mile index racing, the Vance & Hines 4.60 class never fails to deliver edge-of-your-seat action—and the season opener was no exception. A field of thity-eight riders rolled into Maryland International Raceway, each one locked in on the crown. Precision ruled qualifying, with six riders posting a dead-on 4.60 pass. But it was Kenny Morgan who edged them all out, taking the number one qualifier spot with a razor-sharp 4.604.
Morgan looked strong early in eliminations but ran into trouble in round three, posting a 6.076 and falling to Mike Ostrowski, who went on an impressive tear straight into the final.
There, under the lights on Sunday night, Ostrowski staged up against five-time reigning champion Ronald Procopio in a highly anticipated matchup. Procopio, known for his deadly consistency on the tree, pushed just a hair too far—turning on the red light with a -.004 reaction time. That misstep handed the Platinum General Services Spring Nationals victory to Ostrowski, who sealed the deal with a clean 4.614 pass.
Capital Brand Group 5.60 Index
Winner – Nick Christmas / Runner-up – Dustin Lee
The Capital Brand Group 5.60 Index class brought 43 fierce competitors to the eighth-mile battlefield, all hungry for an early-season edge. Brayden Davis led the charge in qualifying, nailing a perfect 5.600 to claim the top spot on the ladder.
Nick Christmas
Davis advanced to the fourth round of eliminations, where he faced off against reigning class champion Dustin Lee in a nail-biting double breakout run. Lee took the round win and pushed forward to meet Nick Christmas in the final. Lee was eager to improve on his runner-up finish at last year’s season opener and secure a firm grip on the points lead.
But Christmas had other plans. He launched with a razor-sharp .008 reaction time, leaving Lee chasing with a .040. In 660 feet, every thousandth of a second matters, and both racers kept it pinned to the stripe. The result? Another double breakout. Christmas held on for the win by just three feet, laying down a 5.582 to edge out Lee’s 5.568 and kick off his season with a statement victory.
Breezewood Farms Top Sportsman
Winner – Joe Procopio / Runner-up – Bobby Holland
The Breezewood Farms Top Sportsman class, known for producing some of the quickest elapsed times in the sport, delivered an action-packed show at the season opener. Giomar Heronimo made the long journey from Aruba claimed the number one qualifying spot in the 32-bike field with a blistering 7.318.
Joe Procopio
Joe Procopio, celebrating his birthday on Sunday and coming off an eighth-place finish in the 2024 points standings, was locked in and determined to make a statement. Round after round, he maintained laser focus, battling through tough matchups to earn a spot in the final against the formidable Bobby Holland, who had been equally dominant on the other side of the ladder.
In the final showdown, Procopio dialed in at 7.89 while Holland posted a 7.73. Holland left first with a .068 reaction time, followed closely by Procopio’s .073. But Procopio quickly made up the difference, overtaking Holland early and never looking back. He ran dead-on his dial with a 7.870, while Holland ran a 7.816. The win not only capped off a memorable birthday for Procopio but also launched him into the points lead to start the season.
MPS Racing Pro ET
Winner – Robin Procopio / Runner-up – Boo Brown
The MPS Racing Pro ET class brought the heat with a staggering 145 entries battling through seven grueling rounds of competition.
Robin Procopio, fresh off a Friday night win in the Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race, kept her momentum alive with a commanding performance on Sunday that carried her all the way to the final round.
Veteran racer Boo Brown was equally relentless, carving through the field with seven elimination-round wins to earn his shot at the trophy.
In the final, Procopio dialed in at 7.93 while Brown set his mark at 8.15. Knowing she was up against a formidable opponent, Procopio delivered her best reaction time of the event with a blistering .012 light, giving her a significant starting line advantage over Brown’s .048.
Although Brown left the line first, Procopio quickly reeled him in, charging down the quarter mile and overtaking him just before the stripe. With only four feet to spare, Procopio claimed the win with a 7.954 to Brown’s 8.158, sealing the deal with a razor-thin .02-second margin of victory.
Brock’s Performance Street ET
Winner – Rafaelle Proctor / Runner-up – Shayne Proctor
The 2025 season opener for Brock’s Performance Street ET roared to life with a stacked field of 59 fierce competitors, each chasing an early edge in the points battle. Rising above the chaos, cousins Shayne and Rafaelle Proctor delivered a clinic in focus and finesse, advancing through seven grueling rounds with surgical precision and steely determination. Their performance built the perfect tension for a high-stakes final under the lights on Sunday night.
In the final round, Rafaelle Proctor dialed in at 9.18, while Shayne Proctor aimed for an 8.98. Rafaelle launched first with a stellar .030 reaction time, but Shayne was close behind with a lightning-quick .048. As the two rocketed down the track, Rafaelle relentlessly closed the gap, inching ahead of Shayne in the final stretch. With just two feet to spare, Rafaelle surged past the finish line for the win, clocking a 9.179 to edge out Shayne’s 8.951 by an astonishing .01 second margin of victory.
Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s Race
Winner – Robin Procopio / Runner-up – Donta Yates
The Hard Times Parts & Service Friday Night Gambler’s Race once again proved its popularity, with all 64 entry slots filling up in just an hour. Known for its high-stakes intensity, the season opener delivered as expected—bringing together a full field of hungry bracket racers all chasing the weekend’s first big win.
A regular in the final rounds, Robin Procopio once again proved her consistency by advancing to the final of the season opener—this time lining up against Donta Yates.
Racing aboard her bar bike, Procopio dialed in at 7.94, while Yates, on his GSX-R1000, set his dial at 8.68. Procopio gained the early edge with a sharper reaction time of .044 seconds compared to Yates’ .059.
As the pair blasted down the track, the race tightened with every foot. Ultimately, it came down to mere inches—Procopio clinched the win by just .021 seconds, or roughly four feet. She stopped the clocks at 7.952 to Yates’ 8.698, securing yet another final-round victory for the second season-opener in a row.
The XDA will return to Virginia Motorsports Park on May 16-18 for the 39th annual MTC Engineering Summer Nationals. There will be over 700 Professional, Sportsman, and Grudge motorcycle racers in competition, battling it out for over $100,000 in cash purses at this event. #RacewithXDA
Visit xdaracing.com for event information, class rules, schedule, and more.
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