Courtesy of Werner Communications

ENNIS, TX  – In a final round battle for the ages Frankie “Mad Man” Taylor took the win at the 3rd annual Texas Invitational last night at the conclusion of the Stars of Texas Music Festival. Taylor and Pro Mod took the win when James Day, driving the Texas Motorplex Tribute Funny Car, red-lit before making a smooth pass. The win was redemption for Taylor who was the 2024 Texas Invitational runner-up.

“I’m pretty excited and this is pretty cool, right in my home state of Texas,” said Taylor. “The crowds were killer here. This is a Sunday night, the week before the Texas Fall Nationals, and there were close to 15-20,000 people already here. The stands were packed on the left side. They were packed so full you couldn’t hold any more, and across the fence and everything. When I’m in the race car, I feel like I’m a millionaire. I could not be more excited.”

Frankie Taylor (right) takes off on the way to victory in the Texas Invitational final round. (Photo courtesy of Travis Warren)

On Saturday night Taylor defeated Michael Irwin in the semifinals while Day outran Keith Jackson. The Saturday night semifinals were contested in front of a full northside grandstand and was followed by Todd Stewart’s Hot Rod Diesel.

“It’s real cool, I love racing my Pro Mod with the eagle on the front and the American flag,” said Taylor. “We had people walking up and learning about a Pro Mod car. They were blown away that it’s an actual door car that has a big motor.”

Taylor plans to return in 2026 to defend his title. Thursday Night October 9, the biggest names in NHRA drag racing will mix and mingle with fans at the annual Texas Fall Nationals Prestage Fan Fest on Thursday, October 9, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Railyard Park in Waxahachie. This free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music, car displays and a massive driver autograph session from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with an epic line up of NHRA drivers and riders.

Frankie Taylor celebrates with Texas Invitational championship belt. (Photo courtesy Werner Communications)

The NHRA Countdown to the Championship storms into Ennis, October 10-12, for one of the most important races of the season. Tickets start at $40 with kids 12 and under free to see racing under the lights at the wildly popular JEGS Friday Night Live which will include special Opening Ceremonies prior to the start of professional qualifying and huge cash payouts for all four professional categories during the night-time qualifying session as part of the “Battle for the Saddle.” Texas Motorplex will promote a “Black & Yellow Bash” encouraging fans to wear JEGS colors to the Friday JEGS Allstars and Friday Night Live activities.  Happy Hour drink specials run 5–8 pm, making this the ultimate Friday night out at Texas Motorplex.

The NHRA Texas Fall Nationals will pick up speed on Saturday and Sunday with the final day of qualifying and race day putting added pressure on all the Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle drivers and teams. Championship hopes will be dashed or emboldened following four rounds of eliminations at the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals.

For more information on the Stampede of Speed and the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals visit www.stampedeofspeed.com.