Chad Spradlin wins biggest payout in Million Dollar Race history

Chad Spradlin led the weekend at the 30th annual Million Dollar Drag Race, cashing in for the biggest payout in event history of $750,000.

MADISON, IL – The 30th annual Million Dollar Drag Race is one of the most prestigious events of the year and it made its way to World Wide Technology Raceway last week, where a historic number of racers filled the pits in hopes of etching their name in as the 30th annual Million Dollar Race winner.

Cullman, Alabama native Chad Spradlin found his way there after making his way through a record 534 entries, cashing in for the $750,000 check and becoming the winner of the biggest payout in Million Dollar Drag Race history.

Joining Spradlin in the winner’s circle was Gary Williams, the 30th Anniversary Race of Champions shootout winner, Kris Whitfield, the TBM Brakes $20K Tuesday winner, and Kevin Rodden and Logan Back, the Summit Racing Equipment Triple 50’s winners, which also had a record 792 entries in the event.

See results below!

30th annual Million Dollar Drag Race

The 30th Annual Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels Million Dollar Race at World Wide Technology Raceway saw a record number of entries in competition, making it the biggest and highest-paying event in the history of the “Big Go” of Bracket Racing. 534 entries staged up for the event, totaling out to a huge $750,000 payday.

Alabama’s own Chad Spradlin shined as the winner on Friday night, defeating Jayden Lawler in the all-dragster final round. Spradlin drove lights out all day long, noting in the winner’s circle that the feeling was simply “unbelievable” and was thankful for the pep talk from his wife to get his driving in order.

Robert Murphy and Michael Pennington were the semifinalists. Stephen “Champ” McCrory, Chuck Ridenour, and the 2024 Million Dollar Race winner Bart Nelson were the quarterfinalists.

30th Anniversary Race of Champions Shootout

25 of the 29 Million Dollar Drag Race winners came together on Monday to battle it out for the honors of being called the 30th Anniversary Shootout winner. The night ended with two-time Million Dollar race winner Gary Williams in the winner’s circle after defeating Kevin Brannon in the final round.

Johnny Labbous Sr. and TJ Tracey were the semi-finalists.

TBM Brakes $20K Tuesday

A record number of entries staged for for $20,000 on TBM Brakes Tuesday at the 30th annual Million Dollar Drag Race. Kris Whitfield became the second winner of the weekend after defeating Josh Pickett in the final round. Whitfield was .013 on the tree and dead on his dial-in with a 0 to head to the winner’s circle.

Logan Diggs was the semi finalist.

Summit Racing Equipment Triple $50,000s

Rounding out day 3 of the Million Dollar Drag Race, Kevin Rodden found his way to the winner’s circle after defeating Gage Burch in the all door-car final round. Rodden noted in the winner’s circle that he was long overdue for winning a big one and was glad to find his groove after several tough rounds of competition.

Brian Hannah and Jayden Lawler were the semi-finalists.

Due to the overwhelming support and potential weather, Thursday and Saturday’s $50,000 races were combined in order to help completing everything on the flyer. On the final day of the 30th annual OG Million, Logan Back drove his truck into the winner’s circle for a huge $100,000 payday.

Back defeated Todd Piper in the final round on Saturday evening. Back is the developer for the “GoDeadOn” app, a popular app in the drag racing community that helps racers dial their cars. Back was speechless in the winner’s circle and said he was thankful to be there.

An avid racer herself, Megan Strassweg, 28, sees her two worlds collide with DragChamp – journalism and drag racing. Megan resides in Evansville, IN, and she pilots a 2015 American Dragster in the NHRA North Central Division 3 Super Comp series, along with some local bracket racing on the side. Her passion for racing began early, having grown up at the racetrack, and she remains committed to the sport. When she’s not racing, you can find her working at WDRB News as a Digital Producer, playing with her two dogs – Clutch and Goose, or spending time with her friends and family.

You can reach Megan on Facebook or email at megan@dragchamp.com