Justin Ashley, driver of the SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel dragster, was an early believer in what the SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout set out to achieve in their inaugural attempt of this groundbreaking event. He is now back and ready to compete again at Bradenton Motorsports Park, February 6-8. 

“Before this event came along, we would have test sessions, and now we have a race,” said Ashley. “We're already here, so we might as well compete at the highest level. It definitely helps us going into Gainesville, because it allows us to get back into a race day mindset. And last year’s PRO Superstar Shootout was some of the most fun I’ve ever had at a race. It's a different experience than an NHRA event and is a great reminder of why we love this sport and the fans.”

When he was invited back for the 2nd annual SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout, Ashley leapt at the opportunity to redeem himself. Last year, he made an early first round exit at the hands of eventual race winner, Doug Kalitta. Even with a first round loss, he maintained the quickest reaction time of any Top Fuel driver throughout race day, a skill he is known for.

“Any time you do something a second or third time, you learn from the previous time, so I think it's only going to be bigger and better this year, but nonetheless, the first rendition was absolutely awesome,” said Ashley. “We just feel super excited, grateful for the opportunity, and ready to compete against some of the best in the world once again.”

As the sole Top Fuel driver for SCAG Power Equipment, Ashley was asked if he feels any additional pressure to represent his sponsor at an event where they are the title sponsor.

“There definitely is added pressure to represent SCAG well, but it certainly doesn't come from them. It comes from us as a team, always wanting to do our best at every race. With SCAG as the title sponsor of this race, we do want to make sure that we go out there and perform both on and off the racetrack for them. It’s always a top priority.”

Two reasons that this event sticks out in Ashley’s mind as to how this event is different and fun for fans, are the unique chip draw format for eliminations, and how Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars have the opportunity to line up side-by-side in competition.

“I've seen videos of when they used to do [Top Fuel versus Funny Car] in the past at NHRA races and other shoot outs,” said Ashley. “It’s something I’ve never had the opportunity to do, but it would be neat to line up against a Funny Car driver like our teammate Dave Richards. We talk a lot about racing the racetrack and not focusing on who is in the other lane, and the chip draw almost forces you to do that. It's something that's different. It's unpredictable, and it’s exciting for the fans.”

In addition to the action on the racetrack, Ashley is a supporter of this event because of what it represents: racers and fans coming together to do what they love best.

“Fans can expect something that feels like family, something that feels grassroots,” said Ashley. “If they buy a ticket, they can expect a lot of racing and a lot of entertainment around the race, whether that's music, whether that's autograph sessions, whether that's social media content. I think that this is a different type of event than we’re all used to, it’s a race on steroids. You have to be there to fully understand the hype.”

Throughout the three-day event at Bradenton Motorsports Park, drivers will host autograph sessions, driver and crew chief Q&A’s and additional fan-friendly entertainment elements. The SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout will once again be broadcast on FloRacing all three days.

ABOUT THE PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT

On February 6-8, 2025, the Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) in collaboration with Bradenton Motorsports Park, will host the 2nd annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout. The 2024 inaugural event took the motorsports world by storm with incredible side-by-side racing, a unique chip draw elimination format, record-setting speeds and a fan-friendly atmosphere.‍

ABOUT PRO

The Professional Racers and Owners Organization (PRO) acts as the liaison for NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock teams with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and other motorsports entities. Composed of professional drivers and team owners representing a broad spectrum of competitors, PRO acts as the unified voice to protect the interest of their members with regards to safety, rules, competition, sponsorship and specialty events.