BY ELON WERNER

“ I had read an article in Hot Rod magazine about titanium connecting rods ,” says Harrison . “ I worked for a guy who was a racer and I started asking him titanium questions . The next thing I knew I had a job offer . I worked for them and grew that company . I moved from there to another titanium processing company as their general manager . I decided to go out on my own in 2006 in my parent ’ s garage .”

The early years were not easy , as titanium costs were sky high , but Harrison had passion and knew how he would set his company apart . He focused on customer service and finding loyal customers . That combination , along with hard work , has set Harrison on a path that has seen TMS Titanium grow every year and provide high-quality titanium to customers in just about every racing series , as well as aerospace , tactical operations , the chemical and medical industries , and marine services . The

biggest growth area for the company has been racing and especially drag racing .

“ Our sales staff is really plugged in to the racing world professionally and personally ,” Harrison says . “ They are fans and they want to do a good job . They know this is a performance business and they like to see the teams we work with win races and championships . We were fortunate to work with Elite Motorsports and Ron Capps Motorsports , who won NHRA Pro Stock and Funny Car championships in 2023 . We were involved in supplying the titanium for some of the performance enhancement they made . It is a great feeling to see your friends win and dominate . It was special to be a part of Ron Capps ’ first championship as a new team owner . I spent a lot of time talking with Dean Antonelli [ Capps ’ crew chief ] talking about parts and uses of titanium .”

Harrison isn ’ t just interested in the bold-type names in drag racing . He and TMS Titanium are great supporters of up-and-coming teams . He remembers how hard it was to get his company started . It took a lot of support and encouragement from friends and associates . He considers every client a friend , and no matter what level they are racing , they should get the best customer service and attention possible .

“ We are working with Jason Rupert , who is a six-time champion in [ nostalgia ] Funny Car .

He is stepping up to the NHRA Nitro Funny Car class and he just needs some help ,” Harrison says . “ We offer material , guidance , and marketing partnerships . We figured out a way to jump in and help some of these smaller teams . We want them to succeed , be competitive , and be safe . Jason is a very interesting relationship . Not only is he a six-time champion , but he is also a welder and fabricator . He really understands the metal , and I have learned things about titanium from our conversations about his applications and what he has seen and experienced over the years .”

One of the benefits TMS Titanium brings to the racing industry is their relationships outside of the sport . Harrison and his partner , James Hostetler , develop contacts with companies and industries around the world . The crossover from the aerospace , medical , and tactical fields has been a game changer for the company over the years .

“ These industries are really one and the same ,” Harrison offers . “ They speak the same language , and they speak a completely different language at the same time . We have people that have no interest in racing , but they are having the exact same problem a race team is having . I can use my knowledge of seeing broken parts and machining applications in the racing world and take that information to the aerospace or chemical processing or medical world and we are able to

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KASSANDRA PAWUK AND NHRA