Manny Buginga will return to the Pro Modified ranks this weekend at the U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission, the second of three races in the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service. Buginga will be piloting his patented red ProCharger-powered Mustang named “Frank” at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
Buginga, who won the N/T class at last year’s U.S. Street Nationals, is eager to rejoin one of drag racing’s most competitive classes – 80 cars attempted to qualify at the Snowbird Outlaw Nationals presented by Motion Raceworks, the first event of the Winter Series.
“It’s a good little deal,” Buginga said. “It’s a lot of fun. I mean, it’s an honor to be there because these guys are the greatest of the great.”
Buginga set the internet ablaze a couple months ago when he reset both the eighth-mile and quarter-mile records on 275 and 315 radials at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. He started by running a 3.481-second elapsed time in the eighth on 275’s, followed by a 5.682 in the quarter. He then came back and clicked off a 3.441 and 5.488 on the 315 radials.
Although similar, the new Larry Jeffers-built Mustang Buginga will campaign in the Winter Series is not the same car he used to set those records. In addition, he is also reuniting with longtime collaborator Jamie Miller to do the tuning.
The reunion has already paid immediate dividends during testing. For Buginga, the returns on performance have validated both the car and the renewed partnership with Miller.
“Me and Jamie Miller got back together because we’ve been very successful together,” said Buginga. “Listen, when me and him get together and we’re on the same page, stuff just happens. I don’t know how, but it does. We put the car on slicks and in twelve runs, we went 3.582 at 209 mph right off the bat.”
In addition to his own Pro Mod return, Buginga has recently taken on a mentorship role, working with NHRA Pro Stock driver Cory Reed as Reed expands into small-tire and radial competition. Reed is also competing at the Winter Series, driving another Buginga-owned Mustang in the True 10.5 class. The collaboration, which has already been on display at the Snowbirds, is focused on broadening Reed’s driving experience while simultaneously trying to win the $40,000 prize at each event.
“What can I say? He likes the color red and he likes Mustangs,” Buginga joked. “As a mentor, I’m just trying to add some different flavor to his driving career. He likes the challenge. He’s doing very well. He’s a quick learner and very good listener, as well as a good driver. He’s good people and hopefully we can get him in the winner’s circle. That’s the goal for him racing under our umbrella – get him consistently in the winner’s circle.”
With the U.S. Street Nationals quickly approaching, Buginga is realistic about the level of competition awaiting him in Bradenton, while also confident in his own driving ability in one of the toughest fields to qualify for in all of drag racing.
“If we could just duplicate the 3.58 (from testing), I think that’ll probably put us in the top 15,” said Buginga. “I don’t think it’s going to be a top five car. I think they’re going to be stacked up like Pro Stock. The attitude going into this race is that just qualifying is an accomplishment. After that, every round is a final round. You’ve got to be on the tree, the tuner’s got to be on his game, and there’s zero room for error. That’s how you’re going to make it through.”
The U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission will take place January 22-25 at Bradenton Motorsports park.
This story was originally published on January 21, 2026. 
The post Manny Buginga to Make Pro Mod Return at U.S. Street Nationals first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
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