06/02/2026
Darth Vader Strikes Back As Locked-In Series Round 2 Delivers At Famoso
By Tom Macht
If there was any doubt that the Locked-In Series has become one of the West Coast’s must-see heads-up racing programs, Round 2 at Famoso Dragstrip put those questions to rest.
Under near-perfect weather conditions and on a well-prepared racing surface that stayed glued up throughout the event, racers delivered a full day of hard-fought battles during another exciting chapter of Locked-In competition at Famoso Dragstrip.
The action was intense from the opening round to the final win light as competitors pushed for every advantage in pursuit of Locked-In Series glory.
When the racing concluded, Kendall Kuhns stood tall in Bracket No Box competition while Michael Teske earned a Locked-In Series victory. Chico Coleman captured the Outlaw Small Tire win, while Ron McCoy claimed top honors in N/A 10.5 competition.
Marco Contreras drove to the Truck victory, but one of the weekend’s most popular winners came in Real Steel, where Eric Outland piloted the fan-favorite “Darth Vader” machine to the winner’s circle.
Additional winners included Nicola DiLiso in 5.80 Index, Roy Mauvais in 6.50 Index and Eddie Rios in Modern Muscle. Robert Cunningham turned in a strong performance to finish runner-up in the 5.35 Index category.
As the Locked-In Series continues to build momentum, Famoso Dragstrip now shifts its attention to the ANRA Spring Nationals, June 5-7.
The three-day nostalgia drag racing event will feature A/Gas through E/Gas competition, Nostalgia Eliminators, Hot Rod, Open Wheel and Junior Dragster racing. Competitors from throughout the region will converge on the legendary Bakersfield quarter-mile for a weekend celebrating drag racing’s heritage while battling for ANRA Spring Nationals honors.
With Locked-In Round 2 now in the books, the stage is set for another memorable weekend at one of drag racing’s most historic venues.
