Chevy’s (Season) Chase! « DragRaceCanada.com

Chevy’s (Season) Chase!

by editor on Apr.23, 2026, under Hotzone

Exciting expedition continues for emerging Western Canadian….
Since first debuting a truly remarkable CJ Race Cars construct ’70 Chevelle mid last season, Canadian Chevy Reeves is spreading his wings even more in 2026.

Buoyed by unrelenting support from his Canadian Motorsports legendary parents Rob and Kim, the Reeves Performance-presented “The Yeti” is continuing to make tsunami level waves for popularity.

In recent times, so far this season, Chevy has been on the entry list for some major league racing, participating within the IHRA’s dynamic Outlaw Nitro Series races, in their Outlaw Pro Mod class division. That is a graduation and step up for Chevy’s team from their previous focus “NT” (No Time) circuit events – last year.

The IHRA presence is also a continuation of a long and close partnership which has bonded together the Reeves family and the IHRA – which included sanction for a series of highly popular Rocky Mountain Nationals events at Edmonton for many years.

Direct From Canada! — “The YETI” — has been a very popular new addition this season to IHRA’s Outlaw Pro Mod class equation.

“The IHRA sanctioning body is one that has resonated with our family for years, as my father and Bill Bader Sr. started a very close relationship in the early 2000’s when IHRA had made it’s way into Edmonton for it’s National events,” Chevy affirmed. “With that rich history and relationship — we felt we owed it to ourselves to give their new rebirth/rebrand a shot!”

“We have been treated phenomenally (by the IHRA), with various patrons, and Darryl Cuttell (IHRA owner) himself personally answering questions, providing us with assistance, and reaching out to us for candid and true feedback regarding our participation. We are very happy with their events currently, and we plan to run as many as we can this season and next, while ensuring we keep our Canadian event presence both strong and healthy!”

“Currently, we do not plan to run any NT or No Prep events with the car — this year — especially with it being on a big tire.” Chevy admitted. “Going forward for 2026 we have quite the compressive event schedule which includes running both the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series and their NHRA Outlaw Street series. Currently we only run the 1/8 mile events, and plan to stick with that.”

As a result of that direction — “The Yeti” Chevelle has seen some significant modifications to its engine program specifically.

“We know that for running in any Outlaw program — you need to step it up! We do like those class aspects — without any heavy restrictions on motor size, overdrive, and chassis modifications.”

For 2026 the team has upgraded things including dual power-adder systems of both the NEW ProCharger 140-1 (Gen II) and over a 600 shot of Nitrous Outlet — straight into the blower and throttle bodies. All of that is being tuned and co-tuned by ProLine Racing’s Chase Driskel and Canada’s own Dean Bettenson (from Red Deer AB) – both of who have powerful racing reputations. More recently, Nathan Bates was added as lead Car Chief and assistant for team operations.

“We’ve run some consistent low 3.70 ET’s (ie: at Mission in year one) — but should have no issue pushing that performance much further this year,” he winked.

Cosmetics-wise, “The Yeti” remains very very unique to the sport, causing immediate and long lasting fan impacts.

“Since we debuted it in 2025 — it’s been a hit and continues to be a fan favourite,” Chevy smiled. “The car has amazing craftsmanship and finish, including OEM vinyl roof, door handles and working headlights. The standout Misty Turquoise or Tiffany Blue (depending how you look at it!) helps absolutely to set this car apart from the rest at any track!”

While Chevy Reeves’ ventures may be expanded for more of a presence within the USA this summer – Canadian track racing will also still be a big part of this racing season agenda. In the West, three events at their home track RAD Torque Raceway are in the cards (Rocky Mountain Nationals, Hot August Night and Smoked Out 3) and the team will head out as well for a trip to Mission Raceway’s annual later season “Smoke Fire Thunder”.

Chevy’s legendary parents Rob & Kim (left) have played crucial roles. Chase Driskel and Dean Bettenson spearhead the race car tuning.

Despite his very young age (26 years), the name Chevy Reeves is quite dynamic within drag racing already – recognised both as a Canadian ambassador for the sport and as a very competent driver too.

“It’s truly is amazing being able to travel all over North America with my family,” he added. “Having their support all these years have led up to all this. Their encouragement and similar passion for this sport is what makes this program thrive!”