TRAVIS HARVEY

The 2024 season showcased Harvey’ s adaptability and true skill, as he competed in 10 different cars, won multiple times, and proved once again that he is, in fact, a certified wheelman.

One of his most remarkable achievements from last season came when he stepped in as a substitute for Khalid Al Balooshi in his first-ever NHRA Pro Mod event, the Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. He secured a win for Bahrain 1 Racing in his home state of North Carolina, taking out three past NHRA champions – Rickie Smith, Mike Janis, and Mike Castellana – on his way to the final round.

Just weeks earlier, Harvey earned a $ 200,000 payday at the Southern N / T Nationals in Texas, driving the renowned“ Prenup” for Justin Swanstrom. Adding to his impressive list of success, he won the Big Dog Shootout in July and finished in the top 10 in PDRA Pro Boost points.

Despite his calm and collected demeanor, Harvey acknowledges that the pressure he feels within the car is almost always present, whether he’ s battling for six-figure purses or competing for prestigious wins at the professional level.

“ It’ s tough. Just like anything else, you have to do your job, but we’ re all human and we make mistakes. I just try not to make mistakes when there’ s big money on the line like Texas or at a big race like in Charlotte,” Harvey explains.

Harvey’ s unique ability to seamlessly transition between different race cars and classes is a testament to the disciplined approach he takes as a driver and

the many years of experience he has in the sport. As for his process, Harvey ensures he feels both comfortable and safe in every new car he climbs into before making a pass down the racetrack. Having confidence in the car translates to a clear mind for Harvey, and the win lights typically follow soon after.

Of all the classes he’ s competed in, Harvey is most optimistic about Pro Modified and singles it out as his favorite. He also feels its future is as bright as ever, especially now that the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park continues to gain traction. The three-race series has snowballed into the most highly anticipated events during what is supposed to be considered the offseason. Harvey also feels teams are investing more money into equipment which, in turn, helps

grow many of the small and large businesses that make up the drag racing industry.

“ The class is definitely headed in an upward direction. The Winter Series helps some of the local racers who don’ t run PDRA or NHRA and brings a lot of revenue into the sport,” Harvey says.“ Chassis builders are building more cars, engine builders are building more engines, and there’ s a lot of racers coming from other classes into Pro Mod.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Harvey has his sights on securing a PDRA championship in the screwblown, Pro Line Hemi-powered‘ 69 Camaro owned by Vaughn Myles and Eric Holland. He will also make select appearances in the Pro Nitrous category, piloting the Musi-powered 2017 Corvette, also owned by Myles and Holland. In addition to his PDRA commitments, Harvey plans to race in local events at Piedmont and Rockingham Dragway, as well as staying active in the high-stakes world of grudge racing through his partnership with Swanstrom. The duo is expected to compete at both Big Jake Promotions events in March and September in an attempt to replicate their success from 2024.

While his schedule is already packed with major events, Harvey remains open to any new opportunities that may arise. With an unmatched ability to adapt and win in any car he drives,“ The Carolina Kid” has firmly cemented a concrete“ hired-gun” reputation in drag racing. Regardless of the class or competition, one thing remains certain – Harvey is a force to be reckoned with and his legacy only continues to grow with each pass down the racetrack. DI

38 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 193