World Champions J.J. Turk and Nick Buis—the pilots who transitioned from Mod Vee to PRO Class 1 last year in Rick Lindsey's XINSURANCE North competitor—announced that they are returning in their 48' MTI once again in 2026. The pair are also expected to continue campaigning their turbine-powered XINSURANCE Mystic at poker runs across the country, as well. Meanwhile, their sons (Cameron Turk and Owen Buis) will be transitioning from Cat 300 to Super Stock class.
Driver J.J. and throttleman Nick, 2024’s World Champions in Mod Vee class, recently got the word from Lindsey that XINSURANCE North would be theirs to pilot in 2026 for their sophomore year in the class. "It's not my decision or anything," J.J. told Speedboat. "I leave Rick alone and let him do his thing, and then, when the time is right, he will let me know. I know everything's a privilege, and I'm lucky to be there, and I treat it accordingly."
As for Cameron and Owen, they'll be parking the Cat 300 boat (XINSURANCE/Ghost Wood Whisky) they ran in 2025 and have acquired a 32' Victory hull to compete in Super Stock class. The boat, a former X-Cat Super Stock competitor that has been retired for several years, will be rebranded to join the XINSURANCE fleet.
"I think there may be as many as 24 or 25 boats competing in Super Stock this year," Cameron told Speedboat, adding that he's long wanted to get into the class. "It's always been in the back of my mind," he said. "Since I started racing, I've thought how cool it would be to race a Super Stock boat, but I never thought I would get the opportunity."
The opportunity kicks off March 27–29 in St. Petersburg, which is the first race of the IHRA season. Although the boat is scheduled to be rigged by the team at Manatee Marine Unlimited, Cameron and Owen hope to have the boat completed and tested prior to the St. Pete season opener. "Hopefully we can make it there, but if we don't, then we'll mostly likely make the next IHRA race."