The 2nd annual DragCoverage Gulf Coast DragFest at Gulfport Dragway turned into one of the biggest and most memorable weekends in the history of the Gulfport, MS facility.
This is race #2 of the 4-race Southern Outlaw Tour Series that TJ Pruitt started to bring back Grass Roots Promod Racing.
Earlier in the week, the forecast looked almost identical to last year, with rain chances threatening the event. After discussions between promoter TJ Pruitt and the Gulfport Dragway team, the decision was made to shift DragFest from Friday–Saturday to Saturday–Sunday — a move that proved to be the right call.
“Gaylon Rolinson approached me with the idea to bring a DragCoverage event to Gulfport Dragway and it was a no brainer,” said TJ Pruitt. “Gaylon, Britt, and Tommy are one of the top promoters in the drag racing industry and I knew adding them to the team would help grow the sport. My main goal is to make the local, grassroots racing scene have a national event vibe — where racers get to feel special and race in front of a huge crowd.”
Despite several teams being forced to drop out due to the schedule change, 17 Pro Mods still rolled through the gates ready for battle. By the end of the weekend, more than 170 race cars filled the property, the grandstands were packed, and fans lined the fence deep to the quarter mile both days under beautiful Gulf Coast weather.
The headline of the weekend belonged to Jacob McNeal.
Jacob McNeal Breaks the Track Record Twice! 3.634, 210 MPH! Fastest Car to ever race in the state of Mississippi
McNeal made history by resetting the Gulfport Dragway track record — originally established in 1972 — with an incredible 3.634 at over 210 MPH, the fastest pass ever recorded in the state of Mississippi. He backed it up by qualifying No. 1 and defeating Joey Martin in the final round of Outlaw Pro Mod competition. Earlier this year, McNeal also won the first Southern Outlaw Tour event at Montgomery International Dragway.
Jacob McNeal Qualifies #1 and wins Outlaw Promod! Back to Back Southern Outlaw Tour Wins!
(Above) Runner-Up in Outlaw Promod – Joey Martin
In Pro Nitrous, Scott Coxwell defeated Edmund Hall in the final round, while Kyle Megginson earned the No. 1 qualifying spot before an incident sidelined him for eliminations. Coxwell qualified No. 2 with a 3.81.
(Above Photo) Scott Coxwell – Pro Nitrous Winner
Another highlight of the event was the first round matchup between Scott Coxwell and his 21 year old son, Mason Coxwell, who also competes in Pro Mod.
The bracket racers delivered standout performances all weekend long.
Pro Nitrous Runner-Up – Edmund Mr. 5 Speed Hall
While the Pro Mod and Pro Nitrous classes delivered the headline moments, the backbone of DragFest has always been its Sportsman racers. From Quick 8 to Junior Dragster, the local and regional competitors brought the same intensity, precision, and passion that define grassroots drag racing on the Gulf Coast. Their rounds were some of the most competitive of the weekend, producing family storylines, breakout performances, and packed‑house excitement between every pair of Pro Mods.
• Quick 8 Door Car: Wade White qualified No. 1 and sealed the deal by defeating Adam Russell in the final.
• Box: Billy Fuller Jr. and his son Kholten Fuller met in the final and elected to split in a true father and son showdown.
• No Box: Layne Lewis defeated Zach Pierce to become the only repeat winner of the weekend.
• Sportsman: Robby Watson defeated Zach Mosley.
• Junior Dragster: An all girls final saw Rori Wells defeat Jillian Sandrock.
• Motorcycle Quarter Mile: Ronnie Harris defeated Peter Pellet in the final round.
From packed grandstands and perfect weather to record breaking runs and unforgettable moments, DragFest 2026 once again proved that grassroots drag racing on the Gulf Coast is alive and thriving. The event continues to grow and has already become a staple in Southern drag racing culture.
Next up for the Southern Outlaw Tour Series is the biggest drag racing event in the state of Alabama – the DragCoverage Night of Fire in Steele, AL, August 21-22. The series will then wrap up for the finale, September 5-6 at Montgomery, International Dragway.
