Travis Harvey won his debut in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series on Sunday, defeating Dmitry Samorukov in the final round at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Harvey, filling in for Khalid Al Balooshi, secured his first career victory with a 5.786-second run at 247.61 mph in his Bahrain 1 Racing Camaro.
The race was the second of four in the series’ “Road to the Championship” playoffs and was powered by Culp Lumber. Harvey, nicknamed “The Carolina Kid,” started from the 14th qualifying spot and beat three world champions, including Rickie Smith, Mike Janis, and reigning champ Mike Castellana, on his way to the win.
In the final, Harvey’s reaction time of .029 helped him get past Samorukov, who ran 5.949 at 245.18 mph. With the victory, Harvey helped Al Balooshi climb to second in points, just 19 behind leader Ken Quartuccio, with two races left in the playoff series.
“I can’t believe it,” Harvey said. “I want to thank Bahrain 1 Racing, Khalid Al Balooshi, and everyone on the team. It’s crazy to race and beat three world champions. I’m glad I could help get some points for Al Balooshi.”
Samorukov reached his first final in his 18th NHRA Pro Mod start, defeating Jason Scruggs, Jordan Lazic, and Thorne en route to the championship round. The series returns Sept. 27-29 for the NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.
