During the Real World Street Nationals in October 2007, Donald “Duck” Long (red cap behind car) attended as co-owner of a Pro Mod entry, but also crew chief on Tony Ridenour’s Drag Radial ’94 Camaro. Long says he took notice of the disparity in how competitors in each class were hosted by Orlando Speed World Dragway and that experience inspired him to create drag radial-focused events to showcase his favorite racers’ talents.

Essentially, Long wants to return to a simpler time, one in which he can be “The Duck” again, donning his fur coat, oversized sunglasses, leather cowboy hat and gaudy gold chains, while “Lenco” breaks out his green sport coat and the two hold court in the midst of high-horsepower mayhem on the SGMP eighth mile. Yes, he knows there will always be problems or issues that crop up, but Long says he wants to be able to have fun with his racer friends again without having to worry about anyone stealing money (all payments are being collected online, no cash will change hands at the SGMP gates), or fights in the stands, or parking, or … whatever.

To aid in the adventure, Lights Out/No Mercy announcers Brian Lohnes and Lee Sebring will be back for Sweet 16, with “Willie Dog” joining the announce team for the No Time portions of the event. And with two rounds of qualifying scheduled for Thursday, five (yes, five!) rounds of qualifying on Friday and eliminations set for Saturday (Sunday is available as a rain date), there will plenty of on-track action, I’m certain.

Significantly, from his very beginning as a race promoter, Long has embraced the power of the Internet, social media in particular. His online videos as Duck, often costarring Lenco Jim, are must-see fodder among drag radial competitors and followers, so it’s no surprise to me that Long promises an entertaining and spirited show for distribution online via a live feed ($9.95 for full weekend coverage), with special features and guests, plus extensive driver and crew chief interviews scheduled for downtime between rounds.

Admittedly, it will be strange to see 2018 Lights Out 9 RvW winner “Stevie Fast” Jackson and runner-up Keith Haney, along with drag radial stars DeWayne Mills, Daniel Pharris and Jamie Hancock, among others, duke it out in front of empty grandstands at Sweet 16, but I have to credit Long for having the gumption to try something new and daring. He does know his audience, though, and if anyone can take something out of the drag radial box and make it work, it’s The Duck. You can bet I’ll be watching.