DRIVER SPOTLIGHT: Matt Harris
- nduty0
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
2024 Division 5 Comp Eliminator Champion
Chasing Back-to-Back Titles at Brainerd
With the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Doubleheader at Brainerd International Raceway fast approaching (August 6–10), all eyes are on defending Division 5 Comp Eliminator Champion Matt Harris. Heading into Brainerd just nine points behind points leader Scott Linder, Harris is not just racing for round wins—he’s hunting history.
We caught up with the 2024 champ to talk racing, pressure, family, and the unique mindset it takes to succeed in Competition Eliminator.
🎙️ Q&A with Matt Harris
Q1: What does winning a Wally mean to you?
A: "Winning any NHRA event in Competition Eliminator is the biggest sign that you’ve accomplished something special. Comp is not a driver’s class, nor is it a car’s class. Heck, it’s not even just an innovator’s class. It truly takes a combined effort of all three to have ultimate success in this class. When we’ve been fortunate enough to bring one of these trophies home, we know we did something no one else was able to that day. There are a lot of great racers in this class, and every one of them is pushing every day to improve. You can’t stand still or you’ll get left behind in a hurry."
Q2: How many Wallys do you currently have in your trophy case?
A: "Personally, I’ve driven the car that brought home 10 Divisional Wallys and 1 National Wally, but I’ve never once gone to an NHRA event alone. As a family team, we have 15 Wallys here in the shop. My dad, Bill, started the collection in 1998 at the Brainerd Divisional, and it took another 12 years to get our second. That struggle laid the foundation for the success we’ve enjoyed, especially over the last 7+ seasons. My sister, Christine, joined the fun in 2018 with a win at Bandimere Speedway."
Q3: You won one of the first Division 5 events of the season. How did that shape your momentum for 2025?
A: That weekend in St. Louis was tough. The class saw a lot of attrition between Race 1 and 2, and the weather for Race 2 had everyone on edge. I managed to claim the #1 Qualifier and got a first-round bye—critical, since my rear end broke right after the final. Winning early keeps you mentally engaged and confirms your winter work paid off. But nothing’s guaranteed. Last year we won early at Earlville, then stumbled through three straight races before finding the issue and clawing back to win the championship.
Q4: What are you most looking forward to about racing the Double at Brainerd?
A: Brainerd is special. It’s where my dad got his first win in 1998—I was 11. I still remember going nuts in the stands with my family when that win light came on. That memory makes Brainerd one of my all-time favorite tracks.
Q5: What’s your favorite part of competing in a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event?
A: Hands down, it’s the people. From fellow racers to track personnel and NHRA staff, everyone contributes to the atmosphere. We may be alone inside the car, but the relationships are what make you want to come back race after race.
Q6: You’re currently just 9 points behind the leader. How do you prepare for Brainerd?
A: It might sound cliché, but I treat every race as a chance to make the car faster and become a better driver. If the car’s happy and I do my job, everything else will fall into place. Points are the result, not the focus. I know Brainerd will have a stacked field—it’s shaping up to be one heck of a battle.
Q7: As a past champion, does that title bring added pressure—or fuel more motivation?
A: It’s a great motivator carrying the 51 on the window. That number means every racer is going to bring their best when they line up against us. If I want to keep it, I have to bring my best every round—whether it's the #1 qualifier or a competition bye. There's a ton of strategy in Comp, but I try to treat every pass the same and block out the pressure.
Q8: Who would you like to thank for their support this season?
A: Where do I start? First and foremost, my dad. None of this is possible without him. He’s supported my sister and me every step of the way, and we just want to make him proud. Our engine builder, Don Thomas at Panhandle Performance Engines, has been with us since 2015. His horsepower has powered every big run we’ve had. My sister, brother Jeff, mom Noreen, and my kids—Parker, Zoey, Brooklynn, and Reese—are always behind me. And my wife Megan—she’s been the biggest influence on my focus and mental prep. Whether she’s trackside or not, we have a pre-race routine every single pass. It’s no coincidence our biggest wins have come since she joined our family.
🔧 Why It Matters
Matt Harris’s story is proof that behind every Wally are countless hours of work, family support, and unwavering dedication. As he returns to Brainerd—the track where his family’s journey began—he’s not just racing for points. He’s racing to carry-on a legacy.
Matt has already locked in his spot to compete at BIR, August 6–10! Don’t wait — get registered today!
𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬:
𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: bit.ly/4ljADXe
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑁𝑂 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡 - 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑘
𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨 (Daily Schedules & More: www.nhradiv5.com/raceday
𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: bit.ly/450MB1o
𝐕𝐏 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬: bit.ly/45QqCMC
𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟓 𝐏𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝):
𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠: www.nhra.com/divisional-live-timing
Comments