Tuff Mounts frontman Jason Waye is gearing up for the Street Machine Drag Challenge 2025 with his revamped FOXSAKE Mustang. Known as one of the event’s most dedicated participants and sponsors, Waye is no stranger to the thrill of the race. Over the years, he has entered with a variety of vehicles, including an LS1-powered Sigma, a 10-second VS Commodore ute with a Ford Barra engine, and a unique LT1-powered HQ wagon. However, his Barra-powered Fox-body Mustang has captured the most attention, previously achieving speeds of 9.20 seconds at 154 mph.
Now, with the expertise of MPW Performance, the Mustang is set for a significant upgrade. The stock Barra engine has been replaced with a more robust version from the Carnage Mazda MX-5. Dandy Engines has enhanced the head with a tickle and added a set of cams, while a larger Pulsar turbo now sits atop an MPW Pro Mod-style manifold.
Technical Overhaul for Maximum Performance
The FOXSAKE Mustang’s transformation is comprehensive. The Hughes Turbo 400 transmission now includes a bolt-together converter, and the rear end features a Mood Motorsports chrome-moly housing and anti-roll bar, complemented by a Race Products floater kit and an MPW four-link. “It’s a brand-new car, other than paint,” Jason Waye remarked. “It’s gone much further than it was meant to, as these things tend to do! Adam at MPW likes to do things properly the first time and not have to revisit them, and that suits me fine.”
The rear end has been designed to accommodate 315 drag radials, though Waye plans to compete on 275s during the Drag Challenge. Given that the car previously achieved over 900 rear-wheel horsepower and ran deep into the nines with stock internals and smaller tires, expectations are high for the new iteration of FOXSAKE.
Setting Sights on New Milestones
With the improvements, Waye and his team are aiming for even faster times. “Adam plans for the car to end up in the sevens, but I don’t think we’ll have the testing time under our belts to run those types of times at Drag Challenge,” Waye explained. “I think if we work towards bottom eights during DC, we’ll be doing really well.”
As part of the preparation, the team has ordered custom Keizer wheels to replace the temporary Weld Magnums. The setup allows for flexibility with either 275- or 315-wide drag radials, depending on track conditions and class requirements. Additionally, a more comprehensive roll cage has been installed to ensure safety at the anticipated higher speeds.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
The modifications to the FOXSAKE Mustang reflect a broader trend in drag racing towards more powerful and sophisticated vehicles. According to industry experts, the integration of advanced components such as the MPW Pro Mod-style manifold and the Hughes Turbo 400 transmission is indicative of the increasing competitiveness in events like the Drag Challenge.
“The level of engineering and innovation in modern drag racing is truly remarkable,” said automotive engineer Mark Thompson. “Participants are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with each new iteration of their vehicles.”
This evolution in drag racing technology is not just about speed but also about reliability and safety. Historical parallels can be drawn to the early days of drag racing when modifications were often experimental and sometimes dangerous. Today’s racers benefit from decades of technological advancements and a better understanding of vehicle dynamics.
The Road Ahead
As the Drag Challenge 2025 approaches, Jason Waye’s FOXSAKE Mustang stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its team. The journey from a stock-bottom-end six-pot to a potential seven-second contender showcases the relentless pursuit of performance that defines the sport.
Looking ahead, Waye and his team will continue to test and refine the Mustang, with the goal of achieving their ambitious targets. Whether they reach the sevens or settle for the eights, the FOXSAKE Mustang is sure to be a highlight of the Drag Challenge 2025.
