For Ty Tutterow, drag racing isn’t just a profession — it’s a family tradition. The second-generation racer has emerged as a PDRA Pro Boost contender while honoring the lessons passed down through three generations.
“It’s really just a dream come true,” Ty said. “Watching him run from my entire childhood to now being in the seat and him watching me run some, it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do my whole life.”
Ty said he knew early that racing was his path. “I was probably at least, probably six or seven years old,” he said.
He recalled long days watching his father, multi-time champion Todd Tutterow, balance operating a grading business with nights spent in the race shop.
“Growing up, seeing that, knowing that I might be going into pushing dirt to, fortunately enough, turning this into a career and just working on race cars ever since I graduated high school,” Ty said.
His father has served as both mentor and trainer throughout his development.
“He’s good,” Ty said. “He’s easy to talk to most days, but just like everybody who always, when somebody gets their mind on something, it’s just got to have a little bit of time to think about stuff too.”
Now leading the PDRA Pro Boost standings, Ty holds an 82-point lead over second-place Jason Harris. It marks his third time contending for a Pro Modified championship.
“I’ve run for points, this is my second championship I’ve gotten to chase, well actually the third championship I’ve gotten to chase in Pro Modified,” he said.
Previously, Ty finished second to Jose Gonzalez while driving for Earl Wells. He went on to win an NMCA title behind the wheel of Tyler Jenkins’ ’57 Buick.
Now, he is piloting the car his father drove last season for Justin Smith. With each run, he inches closer to his first PDRA Pro Boost crown.
Todd Tutterow said racing with his son has been deeply fulfilling. “It’s special,” he said. “Something you always want to dream of, and he’s come up through the ranks.”
Todd praised Ty’s work ethic and maturity. “He’s seen what I’ve done, good and bad, and knows the difference,” he said. “I can’t say no more about his work ethic.”
The elder Tutterow admitted he can be quiet when he’s focused — a trait passed down from his own father. “You got to stop and remember,” he said. “You got to talk to people correctly, and try to do the right thing, but still, heated moments, you’re still family.”
Todd credited his wife for instilling discipline in their son. “His mama gave him that right off the bat, because she didn’t listen to much back talk or nothing,” he said. “He’s been very respectful his whole life.”
For the Tutterows, drag racing is more than a sport. It’s a generational bond that continues to deepen.
“It’s good that you can work with your family,” Todd said. “And I got to work with my dad too toward the end of his career, and he had a love for drag racing, and I got a love for drag racing.”
Todd said that passion shows no signs of fading. “Ty’s got a love for drag racing, looked like his little boy’s got one because he’s been wearing out the Hot Wheels in here,” he said.
Sharing the lanes with his son, Todd said, has been the culmination of a lifelong dream. “A dream come true, exactly,” he said.
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