WFC’s Walk Down Memory Lane: Celebrating 20 Years of the World’s Greatest Footbrake Race
🗓️ July 2007 | 📍 Bristol Dragway
Celebrating 20 Years in 2026
Nearly two decades ago, a simple dinner at an Applebee’s in Mississippi became the spark that ignited a movement in drag racing. Over shared meals and big ideas, Jared Pennington and Steve Stites envisioned something entirely new for footbrake racers—a high-payout, professionally run event that celebrated the skill, dedication, and grit of bottom-bulb competitors.
From that conversation, Coalburg Racing Promotions was born, along with a bold idea: host a $50,000-to-win, footbrake-only race at one of the premier facilities in the country.
That idea became a reality in 2007, when the very first World Footbrake Challenge (WFC) launched at the legendary Bristol Dragway. The road to race day wasn’t easy—weather forced a reschedule from April to July, and a fresh track surface added extra challenges. But none of it stopped the energy from building.
And when the gates opened… the mountain was alive with footbrake racers from across the country ready to make history.
🔥 Highlights from WFC I (2007):
- 💥 Over 240 pre-entries—a massive show of support for a brand-new event
- 🛠️ Freshly resurfaced track—providing a smooth stage for battle
- 🌧️ April snowout turned into a sunny July showdown
🏁 Winners Who Made History:
- Friday $10K Gambler’s Race:
🏆 Winner: Chris Plott
🥈 Runner-Up: Luke Bogacki - Saturday $50K Main Event:
🏆 Winner: Scotty Richardson
🥈 Runner-Up: Luke Bogacki (yes, again!)
What began as a dream around a dinner table has since become one of the most iconic and respected traditions in footbrake racing. The World Footbrake Challenge has built its legacy on fair competition, strong values, and community—a celebration of racers who leave off the bottom bulb and do it the old-school way.
As we prepare for the 20th Anniversary of the WFC in 2026, we look back with gratitude on the racers, sponsors, and fans who made it possible—and forward with excitement for the future of the sport we love.
Here’s to 20 years on the mountain… and many more to come.
