As a second-generation drag racer, Hagar attributes a lot of his success to his father, who first introduced him to the racetrack. He explains, “As early as I can remember, it was me and my dad at the racetrack and that’s where it all started. I’ve had a fire in me ever since I was young and watching his passion for the sport is a big reason why I am where I am today.” Hagar also joined the Phil Veldheer Racing team at the end of last season and has appreciated all the support he has received since.

Hagar eliminated fellow track champions on his way to the winner’s circle such as Brian Yerger from Darlington Dragway, Kris Bunch from Sumerduck Dragway, and Tommy Duff from Kinston Dragstrip, but also defeated the Keystone Bracket Finals main event winner, Charlie White. In the $20,000 final round, Empire Dragway’s Brandon Iamele launched with a red light while Hagar was .028 green for the 2023 WDRA Summit No Box World Championship victory. Through one time trial and five rounds of eliminations, the calm and collected Hagar had a .0122 average reaction time.

Hagar is not easily excitable but confesses that a World Championship has been on his mind, and it could not have happened at a better time. After being prompted with his impressive resume over the last few weeks he replied, “Yeah, what a year! Winning a World Championship was on my bucket list, and I’ve made three or four World Finals trips, but this weekend I didn’t lose a round. It’s surreal.”

 In addition to twenty thousand dollars cash and the coveted WDRA Rod trophy, Hagar will also be granted free entry into any WDRA member track event next season with his WDRA Champion Card. Each WDRA World Champion will also receive an Alliance Race Wear custom fire suit, one free class at the Roy Hill Drag Racing School, a Technocraft Trailer Cabinets $1,000 gift certificate, a set of Viking Drill Bits, a Contingency Connection Championship Package, a trailer safety package from JJ Supply of NC, and Renegade Race Fuels gift certificates thanks to the support from each sponsor.

Hagar admits there will be some upgrades to his racing operation following his Million Dollar Drag Race victory plus the $25,000 he accumulated during the WDRA Summit World Championships. Although you may find him in a newer truck and pulling an enclosed trailer, “Double-O Donnie” will almost certainly continue to compete without a delay box. He says, “I don’t see myself ever using a delay box. I’ve always been off the bottom [bulb] and even the times I’ve practiced at home, I just feel that I’m better off the bottom [bulb].”