Matt Hagan knows his role when it comes to his racing. He drives, and his father David lends unwavering support. It's the way the dynamic has always worked for the two-time NHRA Funny Car champion from Christiansburg, Va.

"Everybody says, ‘You’re so brave’ and all that. But I always use the line of ‘There’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity."

"I just don’t know what side I’m on today."

Hagan, without a doubt, knows which side his father is on.  In fact he's offered the opportunity to take a spin.

David politely responded, "I don't think so."

Hagan understands his father gains his enjoyment living vicariously through his son.

"I think he enjoys seeing me do what I do and if that’s what I want to do," Hagan said. "Him and Larry, his partner, they didn’t have to help me get started. They put a lot of time, energy, resources, and money into it.

David is a successful automobile dealer with multiple dealerships.

"I’ve been asking for a job for a while and he won’t give me one," Hagan said. ‘You get to drive race cars,' is what he's told me every time."