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United States Sage "Donkmaster" Thomas is a racing icon who champions the unique sport of big-wheel racing, inspiring a community of devoted fans and leading the industry in safety and innovation.
Donk Master founded and owns In & Out Customs, a shop in North Charleston focused on building and customizing Donk cars and advancing their performance. This is his primary business.
Donk Master has a television show on MotorTrend+ that documents his work and the Donk racing scene, averaging 3–4 million views per episode.
Thomas is an official Brand Partner of 1738 Fort Mose', created and owned by Victor G. Harvey. This partnership was celebrated at Micky Finn's Buc Bar.
Donk Master's shop, In & Out Customs, built a car for eBay Motors and Sneaker Con, which was destined for Canada. This highlights his custom build work for major brands.
Donk Master is involved with AKOO, an urban clothing line available in 1,500 stores nationwide. He also has his own wheel line.
Donk Master built custom cars, including a Chevy Caprice, for the Netflix film "They Cloned Tyrone."
Sage Thomas, known as Donk Master, was born in Savannah, Georgia, and later established his base in Charleston, South Carolina. His journey into the world of custom cars began early, building his first ‘Donk’ at the age of 16. A ‘Donk’ refers specifically to a 1971–1976 Chevrolet Caprice or Impala, modified with large wheels typically 22 inches or greater in diameter. Thomas was drawn to the visual impact and speed achievable with these large vehicles. His early exposure to the burgeoning Donk scene in South Florida during his youth, combined with observations at car washes in Orangeburg, South Carolina, cemented his interest. This early passion evolved into a significant career, where he not only built custom cars but also delved into the competitive racing aspect.
Thomas transitioned his passion into a professional venture by opening In & Out Customs in North Charleston, South Carolina, in 2014. This shop became a hub for advancing Donk performance and customisation. Recognizing the specialized needs and safety concerns within big-wheel racing, Thomas established the National Donk Racing Association (NDRA). This organization serves as the first professional sanctioning body dedicated to Donk and big-wheel drag racing, setting standards for safety equipment and vehicle modifications to ensure secure competition at speeds that can reach 150 mph over a quarter-mile. The NDRA categorizes races into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight classes for both Donks (1971-1976 Chevrolet Impala/Caprice) and G-bodies (1978-1988 Monte Carlos, Cutlasses, Regals, etc.), along with an open class for various vehicles on 22-inch or larger wheels.
Donk Master has significantly amplified the visibility of big-wheel racing through his media presence. He hosts “Donkmaster TV” on YouTube and has a show on MotorTrend+, which garners millions of views per episode. His efforts have introduced the sport to a wider audience, attracting a diverse demographic from 18 to 49 years old, and increasingly, younger fans. Thomas has collaborated with prominent racing professionals like Alex Laughlin and Clay Millican, further validating the sport. His work extends to collaborating with manufacturers like Moser Engineering, FTI Performance, and Menscer Motorsports to develop specialized parts for big-wheel racing, ensuring the sport’s continued growth and safety. He also maintains a robust online presence through Instagram (@1_Donkmaster) and Facebook, connecting with fans and promoting events globally.
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