Career Defining Championship for Davey Hamilton

First, the facts. Davey Hamilton has been racing for 39 years without a championship or a Wally to show for his name.  A familiar face across the central states; Davey is known for his comradery and passion for drag racing, his helpfulness for others, and love for his family (both related and not related).  During the 2025 season, outside circumstances threatened the future of Davey’s racing desires.  He refused to let this news scare him,  instead focusing his attention on his family, friends, and love of racing.  After the first four races, Davey had three round wins.  Three events later, he had 23 round wins.  Ending the season with back-to-back wins, the champ had FOUR event wins across five final rounds, a blistering 41 round wins, and a 118 point advantage over second place Dalton Johnson.  In addition, at the season ending award’s banquet, Davey’s peers nominated him as the 2025 Rock Falls Raceway Driver of the Year.   

Hamilton, from Hanover MN, had much to say about this season. “Looking back over this racing season is like a dream come true—I’m still pinching myself! With all of the things we battled this season, to be standing on the stage and be known as a champion is almost overwhelming.  I had so much support this year from so many people. So many aren’t related to me, but we’re still family regardless of that.  I am proud of what we accomplished this year, and am excited to do everything I can to repeat again in 2026!”

 Looking back on an incredible season, the moment that stood out the most to Davey was securing the illustrious Wally trophy. “With the rain and oil down delays, we got down to semis of the Wally race on Saturday night.  I was really really hoping we could finish it that night because I was feeling good and didn’t know how I would be the next day.  When I woke up the next day, I was still feeling good.  I managed to win over (Pat) Kelly on a double red light, then had a .003 to take out Shawn (Anderson) and win the NHRA.tv Wally.  It’s all so incredible.”

Outside of tearing up the quarter mile, Davey works as a Facilities Maintenance Manager at Metal Craft & Riverside. He enjoys going camping with his wife Sheila, and working with Tim Wilkerson’s Top Fuel Funny Car team when his schedule allows. 

Davey’s thanks to those that helped him on his journey again showed his passion for the sport that we all love and enjoy. “My sponsors help get me and Sam out to the track all the time.  I want to thank River Inn Bar & Grill, Drill Masters of Eldorado, DMG Mori, EDM Tech, R&R Rigging and Moving, and my ‘special friend’ for their support with me and Sam’s entry fees.  My family is incredible.  My beautiful wife Sheila, amazing daughters Sam and Alyssa, friends Mel, Joe, and Aaron and Jean Milton.  The trophy might have my name on it, but we all worked together to make this happen.  Thank you to everyone!” 

Congratulations to your 2025 Rock Falls Raceway Pro ET Champion, Davey Hamilton!