Dirt
Brad Plourd explores the
next chapter of his racing
career as a new dad
By Sadie Floyd
S
ince deciding to become a professional sportsman racer at the age of 23,
Brad Plourd has been a staple in the
uber-competitive sportsman classes
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while traveling the NHRA circuit. Known for victories like his double-up in Stock and Super Comp
at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Northwest Nationals
in 2012, Plourd feels he is driving better than
ever and has two important people joining him
at the races that make the wins that more sweet.
Since taking the plunge to make a living as a
sportman racer, Brad has been a weekend warrior – traveling to racetracks across the country
and earning his living on the drag strip. Now, with
wife Katie and six-month-old son Paxton by his
side, Plourd has transitioned into a new phase
of his racing career.
“There were times when I would leave for three
or four weeks at a time and now it’s one weekend
at a time and then I come home,” says Plourd.
“Generally at national events, my wife is able to
come out and, luckily, she gets weekends off. Usually she gets off on Thursday afternoon so we drive
late into the night and we do parking and tech
Issue 110
PHOTO: NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER
Bad Brad to Racer Dad