“When I went into
Rockingham we had planned on running the full circuit with both cars.
My dragster isn’t a fast car compared to some of those guys, so I knew
some of the events were going to be tough to qualify. I think the
third or fourth race I missed because I knew I wouldn’t be able to
qualify. So as the year went on I was just going to race and I wasn’t
worried about the points because I felt like I couldn’t win since I
decided not to go to all the races. I really didn’t think about the
Championship again until [the second] Rockingham when I saw I still
had a shot. So I just took it round by round and tried not to think
about the points. Last year I finished second in both cars. I kinda
raced trying to be a hero and I messed up my opportunity. So this year
I just tried to race smart and if it went my way it went my way. But
if it didn’t I was going to be upset about it.”
The Top Dragster points chase was close and Harvey would have his work
cut out for him. In the end, he did exactly what he needed to do,
making it to the semi finals at Richmond. There he had to run his
closest competition, Danny Payne. Harvey was ahead of Payne going into
that round. Payne would have to win the race to pass him. With an. 017
package, Payne put Harvey out in the semis. Now he would have to sit
and wait. In the finals Alan O’Brien used a perfect light on Payne to
take the win in Top Dragster at Richmond. Travis Harvey earned the
first PDRA Top Dragster Championship, coming in five points ahead of
Danny Payne.
“This Championship means a lot,” Harvey expressed. “Finishing second
last year was tough, but to come back and be the Champion feels good.
It feels really good. I’m just glad I got to do it for my team. They
support me a lot. All my sponsors and family - I’m just glad to do it
for them.
“First of all I thank God for this opportunity to race. I want to
thank my wife and kids, my mom, dad, family for all the support they
give me throughout the year and each and every day. Race Tech Race
Cars for building my dragster. Nesbitt Performance Engines for
building the engine. Jeff Miller takes care of my FTI transmission. I
also want to thank Greg Slack, Red Line Oil, Hoosier Tire, Barry
Allen, Lance Stanford, all my crew guys. Every time I’m racing they’re
there helping me out. Last but not least my partner and sponsor,
Vaughn Myles with Miles Truck Service.”
Harvey also finished eighth in Pro Nitrous points, which is even more
impressive considering that Harvey missed select stops on the tour.
While Harvey plans to field his Championship-winning dragster again
next year he says he may be looking for a ride in Pro Nitrous,
depending on his team owner’s plans.
“I just want to thank the owners of the PDRA for a great series this
year,” Harvey finished. “It was run well. We got paid when they said
they were going to pay us. Everything was great. I would love to race
with them again next year.”
For more on the world’s premier eighth mile drag racing organization
visit www.pdra660.com. Follow the PDRA: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Youtube.
Photo: Gary Rowe / RaceWorks.com / PDRA660.com
PRESS CONTACT: Lisa Collier
Professional Drag Racers Association
lisa@pdra660.com
704.692.4636
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