38th Annual Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series GSTA Muscle Car Shootout
Event: BIR Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series 38th Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout
Date: Sept. 4-6, 2026
Location: Brainerd International Raceway
Photo Credit: Eagle Eye Photography
2026 Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series Comes Down to the Final Pass at the 38th Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout
The 38th Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout brought the 2026 Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series to a dramatic conclusion at Brainerd International Raceway, with season championships on the line across the board.
With no championships locked up heading into the weekend, every qualifying point, cruise point and elimination round mattered. 500 cars, along with their crews, families and friends, filled BIR for the season-ending celebration, and by Sunday afternoon, every championship had been decided.
Five Qualifying Sessions Set the Fields
After two days and five qualifying sessions, the fields were set and the stage was ready for eliminations.
Outlaw Pro Mod: Lucas Mlinar, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, claimed the top spot in Ray Friesen's '69 Chevy Camaro with a 3.793-second pass. Mlinar also recorded the top speed in qualifying at 198.29 MPH.
Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking Outlaw: Patrick Edens qualified No. 1 in his '37 Ford truck with a 7.55 at 183.49 MPH.
Zach Novak Construction 660 OS: Troy Bednarz qualified No. 1 in his '17 Camaro with a 4.12 at 195.93 MPH.
Norm's Tire 660 LS: Graham Boyd took the top spot in his '91 S-10 pickup with a 5.009 at 150.00 MPH.
Redline Performance & Fabrication King Street: Jason Geiger was No. 1 qualifier and also claimed top speed in his '69 Camaro with a 7.172 at 197.88 MPH.
Everything Automotive Real Street Unlimited: Jesse Nelson qualified No. 1 in his '70 Chevelle with a 7.90 at 187.42 MPH.
Real Street Natural: Bob Wallin took the top spot in his '72 Chevy Nova with an 8.571 at 155.38 MPH.
But qualifying was only the beginning. For the three street classes, Saturday night's cruise would become one of the biggest championship factors of the entire weekend.
The Cruise Changes the Championship Picture
Following qualifying Saturday evening, King Street, Real Street Unlimited and Real Street Natural competitors took to the 3.1 mile BIR road course for the 4 lap
cruise.
The cruise proved to be tough on equipment, with several cars unable to complete the laps and therefore unable to earn their cruise points.
For one championship contender, the consequences were enormous.
The points leader entering the weekend suffered terminal breakage during the cruise and was unable to complete it. Although a mulligan would have allowed the racer to compete Sunday without receiving the cruise points, the damage was too severe to repair in time for eliminations.
Because the cruise carries significant championship weight, the missed points completely changed the championship standings, dropping the former points leader from first to fourth in the final season standings.
It was a tough way for a championship battle to turn, but it was also a reminder of just how much was on the line at the final event of the season.
Lucas Mlinar Wins Outlaw Pro Mod and the Championship
The Outlaw Pro Mod final featured the No. 1 and No. 2 qualifiers, Lucas Mlinar in Ray Friesen's '69 Chevy Camaro and Bubba Romanyshyn in his '67 Camaro.
Romanyshyn grabbed a big advantage at the starting line, leaving Mlinar to chase. Mlinar was late on the tree and had to pedal the Camaro once, but he never gave up.
He recovered to run a 4.011 to Romanyshyn's 4.200 and took the win by just .023 seconds at the stripe.
The victory capped off a championship season for Mlinar, who was crowned the 2026 Outlaw Pro Mod Champion.
Paul Gibbs Takes Outlaw Win and Championship
The Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking Outlaw final matched No. 1 qualifier Patrick Edens against No. 2 qualifier Paul Gibbs.
Gibbs had already secured the 2026 championship by qualifying and attending the season finale, and Edens had a chance to finish the season with the event win.
Instead, Edens went red in the final, handing the win to Gibbs, who ran an 8.005 to complete the weekend sweep of the event and the 2026 Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking Outlaw Championship
.
Troy Bednarz Wins the race & Championship in 660 OS
Zach Novak Construction 660 OS also featured a No. 1-versus-No. 2 qualifying matchup in the final, with Troy Bednarz in his '17 Camaro facing Brett Caswell in his newly acquired, ProCharger-equipped '66 Chevy II.
Bednarz saved his best run of the weekend for the final, laying down a 4.111 at 202.42 MPH to take the event win.
The victory also secured Bednarz the 2026 Zach Novak Construction 660 OS Championship.
Dallas Nestvold Claims the Norm's Tire Sales 660 LS Championship
Norm's Tire 660 LS saw No. 1 qualifier Graham Boyd face No. 3 qualifier Nick Enberg in the final.
Enberg held the reaction-time advantage, but Boyd was able to overcome it with a 5.107 to Enberg's 5.176, taking the win by .033 seconds.
While Boyd celebrated the event victory, the Norm's Tire Sales 660 LS Championship season championship went to Dallas Nestvold, who entered the finale with two wins during the season—enough to secure the 2026 Norm's Tire Sales 660 Limited Street championship.
King Street Championship Takes a Wild Turn
The Redline Performance & Fabrication King Street championship may have produced one of the biggest twists of the weekend.
Steve Carson entered the finale leading the points by 11 and qualified No. 2. But after breaking during the Saturday night cruise, Carson was unable to earn the cruise points and ultimately fell to fourth in the final season standings.
Meanwhile, the race itself came down to No. 1 qualifier Jason Geiger and No. 5 qualifier Mike Sterling.
Geiger ran a 7.192 to take the final-round win, while Sterling's second consecutive final-round appearance and consistency throughout the season moved him into second in the final championship standings.
The result gave Jason Geiger the 2026 Redline Performance & Fabrication King Street Championship.
There was another memorable moment in King Street as well. Alexa Janzig recorded her first seven-second pass in her 71 C10 pickup, and the timing couldn't have been better. Her pass came exactly 10 years to the day after her father, Jad Carlson, recorded his first seven-second pass on September 5, 2016.
Ten years apart. Father and daughter. Both joining the seven-second club at BIR. That's a pretty cool piece of family racing history.
Jesse Nelson Wins Wins The 38th Annual Muscle Car Shootout for the Everything Automotive Real Street Unlimited Championship
The Everything Automotive Real Street Unlimited championship came down to the final round of the final race.
Pete Trombley entered the weekend just three points ahead of Jesse Nelson. After qualifying, the difference was down to just one point.
Both racers battled their way through the field and met in the championship-deciding final—Nelson in his '70 Chevelle and Trombley in his '76 C10.
Nelson delivered when it mattered most, running a 7.959 to take the final-round win.
That victory gave Nelson enough points to finish four points ahead of Trombley and claim the 2026 Everything Automotive Real Street Unlimited Championship.
After an entire season of racing, the championship was decided on the very last pass. What a way to finish the year.
Bob Wallin wins the Real Street Natural Final & Championship
Real Street Natural saw No. 1 qualifier Bob Wallin take on No. 2 qualifier David Beck.
Wallin had a slight reaction-time advantage and ran an 8.601 in his '72 Chevy Nova to defeat Beck's 8.882 in his '71 Skylark.
Wallin took both the event win and the 2026 Real Street Natural Championship.
SE, T/E, MT, & ICE Eliminations Produce a Full Day of Winners
The SE1 final matched Kevin Kneisl in his '66 Mercury Comet against Dylan Dancer in his '66 Chevelle.
Kneisl had the reaction-time advantage and ran an 11.006 on his 11.00 dial. Dancer ran a 10.905 on a 10.92 dial, breaking out in an attempt to get to the stripe first.
Kneisl took the event win, while the 2026 SE1 Championship went to Kerry Hemenway.
In SE2, Benjamin McCormick in his '79 Corvette faced Drake Schiffner in his '72 Torino. Schiffner was late on the starting line and then broke out trying to make up the difference, giving McCormick the final-round win.
Schiffner's run to the final, however, provided enough points to secure the 2026 SE2 Championship. Schiffner had actually locked up the championship with his Semi Final round win, edging Taylor Tesar by three points
.
SE3 featured Dan Hyttsten in his '24 Silverado against Kurt Loftis in his '86 Corvette. Hyttsten had the reaction-time advantage, and Loftis broke out trying to chase him down.
Hyttsten took the event win.
Bob Peterson claimed the 2026 SE3 Championship, with Hyttsten finishing runner-up after winning the SE3 championship in 2025.
Hyttsten wasn't finished for the day, though.
Dan Hyttsten Doubles Up in Truck Eliminator
The Acme Tools Truck Eliminator final put Hyttsten back in the winner's circle, this time against Carl Gillingham in his '23 F-150.
Hyttsten again had the reaction-time advantage and held off Gillingham, who was late on the tree and broke out trying to make up the difference.
The win gave Hyttsten the 2026 Acme Tools Truck Eliminator Championship and capped off a busy day that saw him win both the SE3 and Truck Eliminator finals.
Jeremy Reitmeier Makes It Three Straight in Manual Transmission
The Manual Transmission final featured Mike Hed in his '88 Mustang against Chris Moorman in his '89 Mustang.
Hed had the reaction-time advantage, but Moorman reached the finish line first—only to break out with a 14.175 on a 14.20 dial.
That handed the win to Hed.
For the third consecutive season, Jeremy Reitmeier claimed the Manual Transmission Championship.
Index Classes Bring Out Ten Winners
The 9.50 Index final featured Eric Dethlefs in his '71 Nova against Bill Schilling in his '70 Chevelle. Both racers posted .012 reaction times, but Dethlefs ran a 9.543 to Schilling's 9.587 to take the win.
Ray Litchy took the 10.0 Index final over Dave Kay. Litchy left with an .011 reaction time and ran a 10.126, while Dave K. broke out with a 9.865.
The 10.50 Index final produced a double breakout, with Kevin Hemenway Jr. taking the win over Eric Olson. Hemenway ran a 10.380 against his 10.50 index, while Olson ran a 10.321. Hemenway was closer to the index and earned the win.
In 11.0 Index, Kevin Kneisl received the automatic win when Steve Johnson was unable to make the final call.
Jeremy Young took the 11.50 Index final over Sean Finlay, using a .013 light and a 10.510 pass to hold off Finley's .015 and 10.528.
R.J. Laase won the 12.0 Index final over Drake Schiffner after Laase left with a .017 reaction time and ran a 12.064, effectively locking Schiffner out.
The 12.50 Index final also ended in a double breakout. Bob Ziebol ran a 12.476 to John Peterson's 12.436, but Ziebol was closer to the 12.50 index and took the win.
Brandon Swanson won the 13.0 Index final over Chris Henry after Henry broke out with a 12.990 while trying to chase down Swanson.
The 13.50 Index final went to Steve Koktavy, who defeated Kurt Strandberg. Strandberg was closer to the index, but Koktavy's better reaction time allowed him to take the win.
Noah Swanson won the 14.0 Index final over Kurt Loftis. Swanson had the slightly better reaction time and ran a 14.066 on the 14.0 index to take the win.
Ten Index classes. Ten winners. And that meant it was time to put them all together for one final challenge.
Ice Cube: Can You Beat Everyone?
With all ten Index class winners determined, the field was set for the Ice Cube—the ultimate Index class eliminator.
The final matched 9.50 Index winner Eric Dethlefs in his Nova against 10.0 winner Ray Litchy in his 71 Road Runner
Litchy put up an outstanding .002 reaction time on the pro tree in the final—a tremendous starting-line performance—and followed it with a 10.045.
Dethlefs was late on the tree and tried to chase him down, but the Nova ran a 9.485 on the 9.50 index, breaking out in the process.
Litchy took the final-round win and the Ice Cube win for the 38th GSTA Annual Muscle Car shootout.
The 2026 Ice Cube season championship, went to Eric Dethlefs.
#KwikTrip #lakesideCabinetsWoodworking #RedlinePerformanceFabrication #EverythingAutomotive #ZackNovakConstruction #NormsTireSales #AcmeTools #GSTA
That's a Wrap on 2026
And just like that, the 2026 Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series is in the books.
The 38th Annual GSTA Muscle Car Shootout delivered exactly what a season finale should: big fields, great racing, championships decided under pressure, a few heartbreaks, some incredible family moments and several titles that weren't decided until the final rounds.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 event winners, season champions and championship runners-up, and a huge thank you to every racer, crew member, family member, friend, sponsor and fan who helped make the Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series such a great part of the 2026 season.
We appreciate every one of you who continues to support BIR and make these Muscle Car Series events something special.
We'll see you at the Champions Awards Banquets this winter, and then back at the track next spring for the start of the 2027 Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series, beginning with the Street Car Showdown on Memorial Day weekend.
Thanks for an incredible 2026 season. We'll see you at the track!
26 Season Standings
The BIR Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series is fueled by the racers, families, businesses, and partners that continue to invest in grassroots drag racing across the Midwest. BIR proudly thanks the 2026 class sponsors helping support competition and racer opportunity throughout the season.
Kwik Trip – Muscle Car Series Title Sponsor
Kwik Trip has become a staple across the Midwest by providing clean stores, quality fuel, fresh food, and outstanding customer service at locations drivers can count on every day. From their well-known bakery and hot food offerings to convenient grab-and-go options and dependable service, Kwik Trip continues to be a favorite stop for racers, travelers, and families across the region.
Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking – Outlaw
Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking is a premier provider of custom cabinetry and woodworking solutions, specializing in high-quality craftsmanship for kitchens, bathrooms, and custom home projects. With a reputation for excellence and attention to detail, Lakeside transforms spaces with beautifully designed and functional cabinetry. Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking
Zack Novak Construction Inc – OS 660
Zack Novak Construction Inc. is a trusted name in the construction industry, specializing in residential and commercial building projects, renovations, and custom construction solutions. With a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Zack Novak Construction has built a reputation for excellence in the region. Zack Novak Construction Inc
Norm’s Tire Sales – LS 660
Norm’s Tire Sales has been a trusted name in the industry, providing high-quality tires, wheels, and automotive services to keep racers and everyday drivers on the road with confidence. Whether you're looking for performance tires or expert service, Norm’s Tire Sales has you covered! Norm's Tire Sales
Everything Automotive – Real Street Unlimited
Everything Automotive is a full-service automotive shop dedicated to keeping vehicles running at peak performance. Specializing in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades, and custom modifications, they provide expert service for racers and everyday drivers alike. Whether you need routine maintenance or high-performance enhancements, Everything Automotive has you covered! Everything Automotive
Redline Performance & Fabrication – King Street
Redline Performance & Fabrication is a business dedicated to high-performance automotive builds, custom fabrication, welding, and dyno tuning. With a passion for speed and innovation, Redline provides top-tier services for racers and performance enthusiasts looking to push their vehicles to the next level.
Acme Tools – Truck Eliminator
Acme Tools has been a trusted name in the tool industry for over 75 years, offering a vast selection of power tools, hand tools, equipment, and accessories from the most trusted brands. Whether you're a professional contractor, DIY enthusiast, or motorsports competitor, Acme Tools provides the high-quality tools and expert service needed to get the job done right. Acme Tools
A huge THANK YOU to all of our sponsors for their continued support of BIR and the Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series. Be sure to support those who support racing!
The Kwik Trip Muscle Car Series at Brainerd International Raceway brings together some of the Midwest’s fastest street cars, drag-and-drive style competitors. With heads-up classes, index racing and dial in bracket classes for three action-packed holiday weekends each summer. Combining competitive drag racing with the unique street cruise tradition, the series delivers a true street car experience while showcasing high-horsepower racing, close competition, and some of the region’s most diverse performance vehicles.
From seasoned racers chasing championships to first-time competitors making passes down the quarter-mile, the Muscle Car Series continues to be one of the premier grassroots performance racing programs in the Midwest, bringing together racers, crews, families, and fans throughout the summer racing season.
Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), located in Brainerd, Minnesota, is one of the Midwest’s premier multi-discipline motorsports facilities. Home to the NHRA Nationals, BIR hosts drag racing, road racing, drifting, autocross, performance driving experiences, and grassroots motorsports events throughout the season.
The facility features a championship drag strip, multiple road course configurations, dedicated drift infrastructure, and destination camping that has made BIR a motorsports tradition for generations of racers and fans.
For schedules, tickets, racer information, and event details: https://www.birmn.com
