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Keith Haney on Racing, Business, and Trash Talk with Cooper Bogetti Podcast

Keith Haney on Racing, Business, and Trash Talk with Cooper Bogetti Podcast
*[Episode 125 of The Cooper Bogetti Podcast (TCBP)] brought an absolute powerhouse to the mic—Keith Haney. If you’ve been around drag racing, you know the name. He’s not just a Pro Mod driver; he owns Tulsa Raceway Park, manages over 10 dealerships, and is a major player in the Midwest Drag Racing Series.
In this action-packed episode, Haney and his crew shared behind-the-scenes insights about race promotions, track economics, Pro Mod growth, and the evolution of drag racing. With Tulsa Raceway Park bringing in a massive $82 million annual economic impact, it’s clear that Haney isn’t just a competitor—he’s shaping the future of the sport.
From epic trash talk to shocking racing moments, this episode had it all. Here’s everything you need to know from TCBP Episode 125.

Keith Haney: The Businessman, Racer, and Trash-Talker
Haney’s reputation in drag racing goes beyond his driving skills. He’s a businessman, a promoter, and someone who isn’t afraid to stir things up in the pits.
Owning 10+ Dealerships: From Detailing to Dominance
Haney’s journey started in the automotive business as a detailer.
A mentor saw his potential and helped him grow into a dealership owner.
Now, he runs over 10 dealerships, proving that racing and business go hand in hand.
His customer-first mindset is a game-changer:
“If you buy a car from me and aren’t happy, bring it back. We don’t trap customers—because bad reviews are worse than a lost sale.”
Building Tulsa Raceway Park: A Major Economic Engine
Annual Economic Impact: $82 million per year—bringing serious revenue to Tulsa’s economy.
Track Size: Nine acres of asphalt, one of the largest in the region.
Hosts major events like:
Throwdown in T-Town – 27,000+ spectators in May 2023 alone.
Holiday Light Show – A Christmas attraction that utilizes the racetrack for a drive-through light experience.
Haney hired a lobbying firm to protect motorsports:
“We bring in millions to the Tulsa area, and we need policymakers to understand that. We fight for drag racing at every level.”

Pro Mod Racing: Big Power, Big Challenges, and Big Paydays
Pro Mod Cars: The 5,000+ HP Monsters
Haney’s Pro Mod program is one of the most competitive in the country.
The cars run 5,000+ horsepower and cover 660 ft with mid 3-second passes.
Newcomers beware: These cars aren’t for the faint of heart.
Haney’s 2015 Radial Debut: From #1 Qualifier to Crashing into the Wall
Haney entered RVW in 2015 with zero experience.
He shocked the field by qualifying #1 on his first attempt.
Then, in the next round… he smashed into the wall.
The incident became infamous, spawning memes, jokes, and even a song about Haney’s mishap.
“They put me in pink outfits, platform shoes—you name it. But hey, I proved them wrong.”
Pro Mod Market is HOT: Cars Are Selling Fast
Haney emphasized the demand for Pro Mod cars right now:
“If you’ve got a Pro Mod for sale and it’s good, it’s gone instantly.”
Some chassis types are falling out of favor, though:
“Nobody wants a ‘63 Corvette anymore—it’s gotta be the right car.”

Biggest Racing Events & Track Growth
Throwdown in T-Town: 27,000+ Fans Packed the Stands
Tulsa’s biggest drag race drew 27,000 spectators in May 2023.
Features Funny Car Chaos and huge payouts.
“If you haven’t booked a hotel yet for the next one, you better do it now.”
New MWDRS “Pro 4.20 Pro Mod” Class: More Affordable, Still Fast
Haney introduced a new class for racers who want Pro Mod action without breaking the bank.
Dave Pierce spearheads the Pro 4.20 Class within the Mid-West Drag Racing Series, with five races scheduled for the 2025 season!
“It’s a little easier on the motor—less risk, still fun.”

The Art of Trash Talk in Racing
Haney is known for his mouth as much as his driving.
He’s teaching his crew to trash talk:
“If you’re gonna race, you better be ready to talk some [expletive] too.”
He and Lyle Barnett had a $100-per-cone side bet during US Street Nationals:
“Lyle and Yeoman came over and starting trash talking about betting on a race during qualifying—doesn’t sound like Lyle at all, right?”

Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Running a Race Team
Why Haney Helps His Competition
At Tulsa Raceway Park 2023, Haney helped Mark Micke replace a motor after Micke beat him in a race.
“I don’t care if you just beat me—I’ll still help you get back out there. That’s drag racing.”
Building a Shop to Stay Competitive
Haney recently built a new race shop for his team.
He realized that having a shop 30-45 minutes away wasn’t working.
“If I’m building a house, I’m building a damn shop next to it too.”
The Cost of Blowing a Motor
Haney prefers replacing parts early rather than risking an explosion.
“I’ve done the math. Blowing a motor costs more than changing the parts early. I’m not about to learn that the hard way.”

Final Takeaways: The Future of Racing & Business
Keith Haney isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Between running Tulsa Raceway Park, managing dealerships, growing the Pro Mod scene, and keeping the Midwest Drag Racing Series strong, he’s got his hands full.
?? Tulsa Raceway Park continues to grow—major events like Throwdown in T-Town, Outlaw Armageddon and Funny Car Chaos are bringing in record crowds.
?? Pro Mod is exploding in popularity—more cars, bigger purses, and tougher competition.
?? Haney is still trash-talking, helping racers, and staying ahead of the game—he’s not just in the sport, he’s shaping it.
If you missed TCBP Episode 125, check it out for even more stories, insights, and classic Haney energy. And if you want some behind the scenes footage of the crew’s experience at US Street Nats, or the upcoming World Series of Pro Mod, make sure to subscribe to the Keith Haney Racing Youtube Channel.

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