NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

After waiting nearly 18 months to make his NHRA debut in a Top Fuel dragster, Kelly Harper will finally get his chance at the upcoming NHRA Nevada Nationals.

Harper will be driving the Paton Racing entry with sponsorship from Ruud Manufacturing and RSD (Refrigeration Supplies Distributor). The event will provide Ruud, an industry leader in heating and cooling technologies since the late 1800s, with their first taste of NHRA Top Fuel competition.

Harper, of Phoenix, completed his license at a test session in Gainesville earlier this year. However, he hasn’t just been sitting on his hands all this time; he’s been keeping himself sharp driving his Top Sportsman Mustang and competing in Top Dragster, but the chance to get back behind the wheel of the Paton top fueler has been his main focus for much of the year.

“I’ve been working towards my Top Fuel debut for some time, and things lined up for us to make this happen finally in Vegas,” said Harper. “I’ve kept in touch with Todd throughout this time as we looked for the right opportunity, and the folks at Ruud have stepped up to help Vegas be that time.

“My friends at RSD, with Ruud’s support, are a big part of helping put this together this weekend, and I’m thrilled to bring them into the world of NHRA Top Fuel drag racing. I can’t wait to share this experience with them.”

Car owner Todd Paton noted, “We were able to get Kelly some laps last year after we runner-upped at the Charlotte four-wide event. It was an exciting weekend that continued into Monday, with Kelly making a couple of licensing runs. Unfortunately, we ran out of time then to complete his license that day, but we had him come out to Gainesville early this year, where he did a great job finishing his license upgrade.

“We’re thrilled to have the folks at RSD, and Ruud join our other partners: 3FP, Ogilvie’s Auto, Quality Plus Compressors, Engineered Racing Services, Performance Data Systems, and Fast Eddie Speedwear for this event.”