Whether it’s behind the wheel of a Pro Modified machine, a grudge car, or a bracket car, Travis “The Carolina Kid” Harvey can jump in just about any driver’s seat and give anyone a run for their money.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #193, the Interview Issue, in March / April of 2025.]
His journey began at just 14 years old when he first raced a 1967 Camaro at his home track, Piedmont Dragway. From those early days, he quickly ascended the ranks of Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, winning multiple championships within the ADRL and Big Dog Shootout series along the way.
After an incredibly successful 2024 season, most people will agree he earned some of the biggest bragging rights in the sport of drag racing. His cool composure under pressure and relentless drive to win have also made him a fan favorite amongst many.
Racing runs deep in the Harvey family. Just as he once shared his passion for the sport with his father, he now shares the same with his son, TJ. At only 13 years old, TJ is already making waves in the PDRA Pro Jr. Dragster class with two races wins and clear signs that he is following in his father’s footsteps as a proven competitor. While Harvey admits that balancing the roles as a mentor and parent can be challenging, he is grateful for the opportunity to make lifelong memories with his son at tracks across the country.
“Trying to be a coach and a parent at the same time can be tough,” Harvey says. “Sometimes he doesn’t want to listen, but he’s a great kid. I helped a bit with his wins and when he’s racing, but other stuff he taught himself.”
The 2024 season showcased Harvey’s adaptability and true skill, as he competed in 10 different cars, won multiple times, and proved once again that he is, in fact, a certified wheelman.
One of his most remarkable achievements from last season came when he stepped in as a substitute for Khalid Al Balooshi in his first-ever NHRA Pro Mod event, the Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. He secured a win for Bahrain 1 Racing in his home state of North Carolina, taking out three past NHRA champions – Rickie Smith, Mike Janis, and Mike Castellana – on his way to the final round.
Just weeks earlier, Harvey earned a $200,000 payday at the Southern N/T Nationals in Texas, driving the renowned “Prenup” for Justin Swanstrom. Adding to his impressive list of success, he won the Big Dog Shootout in July and finished in the top 10 in PDRA Pro Boost points.
Despite his calm and collected demeanor, Harvey acknowledges that the pressure he feels within the car is almost always present, whether he’s battling for six-figure purses or competing for prestigious wins at the professional level.
“It’s tough. Just like anything else, you have to do your job, but we’re all human and we make mistakes. I just try not to make mistakes when there’s big money on the line like Texas or at a big race like in Charlotte,” Harvey explains.
Harvey’s unique ability to seamlessly transition between different race cars and classes is a testament to the disciplined approach he takes as a driver and the many years of experience he has in the sport. As for his process, Harvey ensures he feels both comfortable and safe in every new car he climbs into before making a pass down the racetrack. Having confidence in the car translates to a clear mind for Harvey, and the win lights typically follow soon after.
Of all the classes he’s competed in, Harvey is most optimistic about Pro Modified and singles it out as his favorite. He also feels its future is as bright as ever, especially now that the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park continues to gain traction. The three-race series has snowballed into the most highly anticipated events during what is supposed to be considered the offseason. Harvey also feels teams are investing more money into equipment which, in turn, helps grow many of the small and large businesses that make up the drag racing industry.
“The class is definitely headed in an upward direction. The Winter Series helps some of the local racers who don’t run PDRA or NHRA and brings a lot of revenue into the sport,” Harvey says. “Chassis builders are building more cars, engine builders are building more engines, and there’s a lot of racers coming from other classes into Pro Mod.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Harvey has his sights on securing a PDRA championship in the screw-blown, Pro Line Hemi-powered ‘69 Camaro owned by Vaughn Myles and Eric Holland. He will also make select appearances in the Pro Nitrous category, piloting the Musi-powered 2017 Corvette, also owned by Myles and Holland. In addition to his PDRA commitments, Harvey plans to race in local events at Piedmont and Rockingham Dragway, as well as staying active in the high-stakes world of grudge racing through his partnership with Swanstrom. The duo is expected to compete at both Big Jake Promotions events in March and September in an attempt to replicate their success from 2024.
While his schedule is already packed with major events, Harvey remains open to any new opportunities that may arise. With an unmatched ability to adapt and win in any car he drives, “The Carolina Kid” has firmly cemented a concrete “hired-gun” reputation in drag racing. Regardless of the class or competition, one thing remains certain – Harvey is a force to be reckoned with and his legacy only continues to grow with each pass down the racetrack.
This story was originally published on May 27, 2025. 
The post Travis Harvey on His 2024 Success, What Comes Next for ‘The Carolina Kid’ first appeared on Drag Illustrated.