The 29th Annual Haltech World Cup Finals: Import vs. Domestic presented by Wiseco returns to Maryland International Raceway (MIR) on November 5-9, bringing together more than 300 racers from over ten countries for one of the most anticipated events on the global drag-racing calendar. With $275,000 in cash and prizes, 11 elite classes, and MIR’s reputation for world-class track prep, fans can expect another record-breaking weekend when the gates open Wednesday morning.

Jimmy Taylor Eyes Quarter-Mile Doorslammer Supremacy

Among the biggest storylines heading into the weekend is Jimmy Taylor’s pursuit of new world records in his twin-turbocharged ’69 Camaro tuned by renowned engine builder Carl Stevens Jr. Taylor recently stunned the drag-racing world during a mid-week test session at MIR, ripping to an eighth-mile world record of 3.38 seconds at 240 mph. Now, he and Stevens have their sights set squarely on the quarter-mile benchmark of 5.144 seconds at 273 mph, a record set by Todd Moyer, who was driving a turbo Camaro also tuned by Stevens.

With perfect fall air and MIR’s surface known for enabling record-setting runs, Taylor’s combination could push the envelope for what’s possible in a full-bodied doorslammer. All eyes will be on Taylor when he takes to the line.

McFarland vs. Grannas: The Rivalry Reignites

Equally compelling is the Stick Shift showdown that fans have been waiting for since FL2K at Bradenton Motorsports Park earlier this month. There, Joel Grannas – the No. 1 qualifier and class favorite – missed the call to the lanes and effectively forfeited the race. Cleetus McFarland went on to win over Chad Fegley, then challenged Grannas to a $15,000 grudge race, where McFarland came out on top when Grannas ran into mechanical issues.

Now, the two could meet again at World Cup, where Grannas looks to reclaim his stick-shift dominance while McFarland arrives as ready to do battle in multiple classes and cars. Fresh off a 5.772-second, 257.14 mph quarter-mile test pass in his “Eagle” ’69 Camaro, which set a new drag-radial speed record, McFarland’s enthusiasm is off the charts.

“I am losing sleep about World Cup I’m so excited,” McFarland said. “We’re preparing more than ever and want to make you all proud.”

For Grannas, who’s entering his 12th World Cup Finals, the event is personal.

“Before there was a dedicated stick-shift class, I showed up in my H-pattern street car to battle the automatics,” he reflected. “Set myself up for failure running those better-setup auto cars, but always had fun racing them as the underdog!”

Eleven Classes, Non-Stop Action

Across the four-day program, racers will compete in divisions including Outlaw vs. Extreme, Renegade vs. Modified, X295 vs. Hot Rod, Warriors vs. Tres Cuarto, Street Fighter, Stick Shift, Wild Street, DCT, Limited Street, XFWD, All Motor, and Pro Street Bike.

Fans can expect late-night qualifying, record chases, and nonstop action capped by Sunday’s elimination rounds and finals. Off the track, the vendor midway, bikini contest, and Trick-or-Treat and costume contests add to the festival-like atmosphere that’s made the World Cup Finals an annual pilgrimage for drag racing fans worldwide.

Watch The World Cup Finals Live on FloRacing

With over 50,000 fans expected on-site and countless more tuning in, the 2025 Haltech World Cup Finals: Import vs. Domestic is set to deliver another historic weekend at MIR.

Subscribe to FloRacing to catch every record run, rivalry, and final-round moment from November 6-9.