For years, the words “import” and “domestic” have represented one of drag racing’s greatest rivalries.
Different engines. Different platforms. Different fan bases. Different cultures.
But at the end of the day, racers are racers.
That belief is one of the reasons Haley James Racing is preparing to load three race cars into shipping containers and send them across the ocean to compete in the inaugural Festival Import vs Domestic at Salinas Speedway in Puerto Rico.
The trip represents much more than another race weekend. For Haley James Racing, it is the continuation of a vision that began years ago through a growing appreciation for import racing and the unique culture surrounding it.
“We have been working alongside the import side of racing ever since moving to Florida,” the team explained. “What started with our love for the World Cup Finals in Maryland has continued to grow. We saw an opportunity to help grow the concept of import versus domestic racing all over, including Puerto Rico.”
That vision is becoming reality thanks to an invitation from event promoter Arturo Motogra, who has worked alongside the team for months to make the appearance happen.
Now the plans are official.
The team’s cars will be loaded into shipping containers at MechTech College in Orlando, Florida, before beginning the journey to Puerto Rico and one of the most passionate drag racing communities anywhere in the world.
For many racers, competing in Puerto Rico is a bucket-list experience. The crowds are electric. The enthusiasm is unmatched. The atmosphere feels more like a championship sporting event than a typical race weekend.
For Haley James Racing, however, this trip carries special significance.
“It has been our dream ever since Klein got to race in Puerto Rico last year to go back there with all three cars,” the team said. “Now it’s finally happening.”
Once they arrive at Salinas Speedway, the team will step outside their familiar Ultra Street comfort zone. Instead of their class-legal 76mm turbochargers, the cars will be equipped with larger 85mm Precision turbochargers as they compete in a 1,000-foot import-versus-domestic format designed specifically for the event.
The technical challenge is exciting.
The competition is exciting.
But the bigger picture may be even more important.
As racing continues to evolve, events like Festival Import vs Domestic are helping bridge the gap between communities that have traditionally operated in separate worlds. Domestic racers are becoming fans of import racing. Import racers are becoming fans of domestic racing. The result is a stronger sport for everyone involved.
“It has been our goal to push the limits within the industry,” the team said. “Coming together with another culture of racing has been awesome. Bringing the two together is something we truly believe in.”
That message resonates especially well in Puerto Rico, where racers have spent decades building one of the most vibrant import scenes on the planet while also welcoming competitors from around the world.
For Haley James Racing, this trip represents an opportunity to expand its fan base, build new friendships, and strengthen the relationship between Puerto Rican racers and competitors from the mainland United States.
Most importantly, it represents an opportunity to represent Team USA while sharing a common passion with racers who may drive different combinations but live for the exact same thing.
“We can’t thank everyone involved enough,” the team said. “Our team is looking forward to doing this while expanding our fan base and helping bring Puerto Rico and the United States together through racing.”
The road to Puerto Rico starts in Orlando.
The next chapter will be written at Salinas Speedway.
And Haley James Racing plans to make the most of it.
Fans interested in supporting the journey can purchase official team shirts, with proceeds helping offset travel and event expenses while supporting the team’s effort to represent Team USA in Puerto Rico.
