Travis Harvey’s 2024 Triumphs and Next Big Moves

Travis Harvey, known in racing circles as “The Carolina Kid,” has made his mark in drag racing by winning across multiple classes and securing a strong reputation in the sport. His career started at just 14 years old, taking his family’s 1967 Camaro down the strip at Piedmont Dragway.

From there, Harvey quickly found success, gathering championships in the ADRL and Big Dog Shootout series and building a foundation for a standout run during the 2024 season.

In 2024, Harvey drove 10 different cars and achieved several key victories, including a memorable appearance at the Carolina Nationals. Stepping in for Khalid Al Balooshi, he piloted a Camaro for Bahrain 1 Racing and went head-to-head with some of the best in the NHRA Pro Mod category.

Harvey made headlines by defeating three former NHRA champions—Rickie Smith, Mike Janis, and Mike Castellana—on the way to the finals at zMAX Dragway. He capped the event with a win over Dmitry Samorukov, hitting 247.61 mph in the final round.

Beyond his professional racing, Harvey shares his love of the sport with his 13-year-old son, TJ, who is already making a name for himself in the PDRA Pro Jr. Dragster class. Balancing the role of parent and coach brings challenges, but Harvey values the moments and wins they share at tracks around the country.

He credits TJ’s dedication for recent race wins while acknowledging that guiding young racers requires patience.

The 2024 schedule was packed for Harvey, highlighted not only by his NHRA Pro Mod victory but also by a $200,000 payday at the Southern N/T Nationals in Texas, where he drove Justin Swanstrom’s “Prenup” Lexus RC-F in the no-time shootout. Additional wins, including the July Big Dog Shootout and a top-10 finish in PDRA Pro Boost standings, further established his versatility and resilience in high-stakes situations.

Throughout the year, Harvey was candid about the pressures of big-money events, emphasizing the importance of focus and execution when every race matters.

Looking ahead to 2025, Harvey remains committed to top-level competition. He plans to chase a PDRA championship in the screw-blown, Pro Line Hemi-powered ’69 Camaro owned by Vaughn Myles and Eric Holland and will also step into the Pro Nitrous category in a Musi-powered 2017 Corvette from the same team.

Along with national commitments, he expects to race at local events like Piedmont and Rockingham Dragway and continue his successful partnership with Swanstrom in the grudge racing scene, with Big Jake Promotions’ events in March and September on the calendar.

Harvey’s ability to adapt to different cars and racing formats stands out, and he believes Pro Modified is positioned for greater growth. The expanding DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park and increased investment from teams are helping to attract racers from other categories, with more cars being built and fresh faces joining Pro Mod.

Harvey sees momentum growing, especially as local racers find new chances to compete and shine during the offseason.

With a busy schedule and more wins in his sights, Harvey’s confidence and calm under pressure continue to build his reputation as one of drag racing’s top “hired guns.” Whether racing close to home or taking on the nation’s best, “The Carolina Kid” has proven he’s always ready for the next big challenge.