Summit ET World Sportsman Champion: Gage Wilson’s Road to Vegas

The road to a National Championship in Vegas begins at your home NHRA Member Track, and for Gage Wilson, that journey started at Ardmore Dragway. What followed was a season defined by preparation, focus, and execution—culminating in Wilson capturing both the Summit ET Finals Wally and the Summit ET Sportsman National Championship Wally in Las Vegas.

Winning at the South Central Division 4 ET Finals to earn a return trip to the National Championship is an accomplishment in itself. For Wilson, bringing home both trophies was a reflection of the work put in long before the car ever rolled into the staging lanes.

“Super happy to have won the division finals again and get another chance at the National,” Wilson said. “We worked hard to get my Colorado prepared for the division finals and the National. It means a lot to come through and display what we have been working towards.”

More Than Just Racing in Vegas

While competing for a national championship is the ultimate goal, the Vegas experience offered Wilson plenty to enjoy away from his own runs down the track.

“I enjoyed watching Top Fuel and most all of the Lucas Oil Series classes,” he shared. “We didn’t go downtown this year—we stayed at the track and went through the pits many times, which I really enjoyed.”

Immersing himself in the atmosphere of championship weekend only added to the significance of the moment.

The Moment It Became Real

For many racers, the realization of winning a national title doesn’t come instantly—and Wilson was no exception.

“When I realized I had won, I was pretty excited, but it took a while for it to sink in,” he said. “I was just trying to execute the task at hand each round. I even called my dad from the top end just to see how I actually did on that last run.”

True to a racer’s mindset, Wilson stayed focused on the process rather than the outcome until the very end.

Adding Another Wally to an Impressive Collection

The national championship trophy marked another milestone in an already decorated career.

“This National Wally marks my 21st Wally,” Wilson noted. “It definitely ranks very high, right alongside my four National Event Wallys in the JDRL series.”

A Weekend Full of Standout Moments

While the final-round victory was unforgettable, Wilson found satisfaction in every pass.

“Every run down the track was fun, and I had a goal each time,” he said. “On the final time run there was a best reaction-time pot. The first pair went .007, which is hard to beat. We decided to take a shot and were fortunate enough to take it with a .004.”

Gratitude for the People Behind the Win

No championship is won alone, and Wilson was quick to acknowledge those who made it possible.

“I better thank my sister first—I forgot to mention her on stage in Vegas,” he laughed. “I also want to thank Ardmore Dragway, Division 4, NHRA, Summit, and all the track staff and sponsors who provided this opportunity.”

He also credited his parents, grandparents, friends, track family, and sponsors for supporting him every step of the way.

A Full-Circle Moment at Ardmore

The victory carried extra meaning given Wilson’s history at his home track.

“Two years ago I won the division finals in my mom’s ’70 Chevy Nova when it was held at Ardmore,” he explained. “We struggled and couldn’t get a setup to get out of first round. This second chance meant a lot—it showed we were set up differently, and as it turns out, correctly this time.”

From Ardmore to Vegas, Gage Wilson’s 2025 season stands as a testament to perseverance, preparation, and passion for the sport. His Summit ET World Sportsman Championship is not just a win—it’s the result of a journey that began at his local NHRA Member Track and ended at the top of the national stage.

Racers will have their opportunity in 2026 to compete for a chance to advance to the National Championship in Las Vegas. Mark your calendars—the Summit ET Finals will return to Texas Motorplex on September 11–13, 2026.