Ice Storm Causes Collapse at Mississippi Drag Racing Shop, Damages Custom Cars

A powerful ice storm sweeping across the U.S. South has caused extensive damage in northwest Mississippi, including the collapse of a well-known drag racing shop in Senatobia. The facility, operated by Geeslin Family Racing, failed under the weight of heavy ice accumulation, leaving numerous custom-built race cars damaged beneath twisted steel and debris.

The collapse occurred during the January 25–26, 2026 winter storm, which coated parts of the region in up to an inch of ice. The rapid buildup proved especially hazardous for metal-roofed, barndominium-style structures, including the Geeslin Family Racing shop, which also functioned as the family’s residence.

Inside the building was a dense collection of competition vehicles and projects tied to the shop’s drag racing work. When the roof gave way, several cars were trapped or crushed, turning a working racing facility into a hazardous recovery site. Images shared on the shop’s social media pages showed extensive structural damage and vehicles pinned beneath collapsed roof sections.

Among the hardest-hit vehicles was a 1933 Ford Super Gas race car, which reportedly sustained the most severe damage. A 1968 Camaro was also significantly damaged, while a Camaro Z/28-bodied Funny Car remained trapped under debris. Other vehicles inside the shop included a 1991 Chevy drag-and-drive project and a 2006 Silverado, both of which helped support portions of the collapsing roof. The shop also housed multiple additional custom dragsters prepared for competition.

Recovery efforts have been slowed by lingering ice and unsafe conditions. As of several days after the collapse, the remaining ice buildup prevented crews from safely removing damaged vehicles and structural materials. The delay has added uncertainty to assessing the full extent of the losses.

The storm’s impact extended beyond Senatobia, with reports of collapsed roofs and structural failures across parts of Arkansas and Texas. Businesses, boat docks, and carports were among the structures affected by the widespread ice accumulation.

Despite the scale of the damage, Geeslin Family Racing has stated that there is currently no fundraising effort in place. Supporters within the car and racing community have been encouraged to share and promote the family’s racing and hot rod business pages as a way to help spread awareness while recovery efforts continue.

About the Author

Shawn Henry

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Shawn Henry has spent years writing about cars, and it shows—not in a resume kind of way, but in how he talks about them. He's the type who'll notice the weird trim option nobody remembers and actually know why it mattered. At Backfire News, he covers pretty much the whole spectrum: off-road trucks and trail builds, performance cars, racing, and the collector market. He's comfortable getting into the technical weeds, but he never forgets that most people read about cars because cars are fun, not because they want a spec sheet. His beat runs from classic and collector vehicles to overlanding culture, modified performance builds, new automotive tech, and the industry news that actually affects what ends up in your driveway. Mostly, though, Shawn thinks the best car stories are about people—the builds they pour money into, the road trips, the communities that form around a shared obsession. That's the stuff he likes writing about, and it's what you'll find in his work here.

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