The ninth annual Mopar or No Car Nationals thundered to life on May 16, 2026, under radiant blue skies and unseasonably warm temperatures that marked the hottest day of the year thus far. Mopar enthusiasts from across the region descended upon Beaver Springs Dragway for a full day of quarter-mile action, horsepower, and camaraderie centered around Chrysler performance vehicles of every generation. As with every Mopar event at Beaver Springs, Butch Gummo’s Surplus City sponsored the race.
Track owner Mike McCracken, track operator Mikey McCracken, and their dedicated crew once again proved why Beaver Springs remains one of the premier grassroots racing facilities in the Northeast. The racing surface was meticulously prepped to endure the relentless abuse delivered by high-horsepower Mopars launching hard off the line.
From the haze of the first sunrise burnouts to the final passes late in the afternoon, the surface remained remarkably consistent, providing racers with a track that rewarded both power and precision. Drivers repeatedly praised the facility for its smooth, predictable traction and the professionalism of the track staff throughout the event.
Headlining the racing program was the always-entertaining Quick Eight (Pro Mopar) category, where some of the quickest Mopars in attendance battled for supremacy. Anchoring the field was Tim Riggleman and his ferocious small-block-powered 1991 Daytona, a machine that became one of the stars of the event by consistently laying down blistering 5-oh eighth-mile passes throughout the day. The Daytona’s combination of speed, consistency, and unmistakable Mopar attitude drew considerable attention from racers and spectators alike every time it rolled into the staging lanes.
Competitors who narrowly missed qualifying for the Quick Eight field were placed into the HiPo Mopar class, which featured a strong assortment of cars capable of running 11.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter-mile. The class showcased a broad range of combinations, from lightweight A-body street-strip machines to big-cube B- and E-body muscle cars built with one purpose in mind: winning rounds.
The Cool Mopar category, traditionally reserved for cars running 12 seconds and slower, was combined with the Late-Model Muscle class due to a smaller-than-usual turnout. Despite the reduced car count, the combined category still produced close racing and an excellent mix of machinery. Modern Gen III Hemi-powered Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300s lined up alongside classic Mopar iron, creating a unique blend of old-school muscle and modern performance technology.
Away from the starting line, an informal car show developed throughout the pit area as spectators and racers alike admired an impressive variety of Mopar vehicles. Rows of vintage muscle cars featuring small-block wedges, big-block powerplants, and legendary Gen II Hemi engines grabbed the attention of longtime enthusiasts.
In contrast, late-model performance cars highlighted just how strong the modern Mopar movement has become. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged plenty of bench racing, technical discussions, and storytelling among attendees who shared a common passion for Chrysler performance.
Although graduation season likely contributed to a somewhat lighter turnout than in previous years, the event still delivered the strong sense of community and competitive spirit that has defined the Mopar or No Car Nationals since its inception. With 2027 marking the 10th anniversary of the event, many racers and fans are hopeful the schedule will shift back toward early June, a move that could help boost participation and make the milestone event even bigger.
For more information on upcoming events at Beaver Springs Dragway, including the York Nostalgia Nationals, Flashback Friday, and the Jalopy Showdown, visit Beaver Springs Dragway.
- Pro Mopar: Winner – Tim Riggleman R/U – Huston Richards
- HiPo Mopar: Winner – Everett Foley R/U – Dean Mowery
- Cool Mopar/Modern Muscle: Winner – Dave Weaver R/U John White
