posted by TopFuelPhotos on Jan 7

Jessie Harris has been thrilling race fans for the past five years, driving her jet powered dragster across the country. Now she has the chance to drive a 8,000 hp top fuel dragster for Evan Knoll and Torco Race Fuels. Not since Christine Powell, has there been such a buzz about a rookie top fuel driver coming into the NHRA ranks. Jessie earned the title of winningest driver in Jet Dragster history, now she will try to add another title to her list, rookie of the year and then top fuel champion. I had a chance to talk with Jessie and asked her a few questions.

Q. Tell me a little about your self.
J. My name is Jessie Harris. I reside in Rome, NY. I am 25 years old. Over the last 5 years, I have spent the weekends driving a Jet Powered Dragster and the weekdays managing a physical therapists office.

Q. How and when did you get into racing?
J. I have been crewing on my step-father’s blown alcohol roadster since the age of 6. From the first time I set foot at a racetrack, I fell in love with the sight, the sound, and the smell.

Q. I know you raced the jet cars, so how hard was it going from the jet car to the top fuel dragster?
J. I believe driving the Jet Dragster gave me the insight I needed to transition well into the Top Fuel car. I have made over 1,000 runs in the last 5 years, all either close to or quicker than 300 mph. So, in that aspect, I learned how to finesse and react at fast speeds. But I had to be willing to be a student again. I had never felt tire shake before. I had to learn how to drive a 8,000 hp wheel driven car as opposed to the 6,000 hp thrust driven car.

Q. How did the deal with you getting into a top fueler come about?
J. It has been my dream to drive a fuel car since I was 6 years old. I knew that I had to ‘play the game’ and market myself to get where I wanted to be. I spent 5 years in the Jet Dragster building a good resume and networking. At that point, I just started introducing myself to the pro’s, expressing my interest in driving. After seeing my face and hearing my name more than a few times, I think everyone started to believe I was serious and was willing to put in the effort.

Q. What are your plans for 08, I think you are going to be driving for Evan, right?
J. I will be driving a second dragster on Clay Millican’s team owned by Evan Knoll. Torco Race Fuels will be the primary sponsor but as for the paint scheme or theme… I am sorry, I can’t divulge just yet!

Q. Do you think you have something to prove coming into the NHRA ?
J. I believe in myself to be a good student who is willing to put in the effort to be the best. I want to prove that I deserve this opportunity I have been given. From there I will focus on making laps, going rounds, winning races, and eventually winning championships.

Q. When you stop and think about were you are at in your career,what goes through your mind?
J. I am blessed. I really do have to keep pinching myself as the countdown begins for Pomona. Few have or will ever have the opportunity to do this. Without a supportive family and friends, I would not be where I am today. I owe a lot to them.

Q. Who do you look up to as far as drag racing?
J. Oh my gosh, I have been watching the greats for a long time but I would have to say my mother and step-father, Penny and Joe Veschusio. They have taught me the in’s and out’s of drag racing. Both about the driving side and the business side.

Q. What do you do in the off season
J. Well, most will tell you, there really isn’t an off season but in my free time, I love to go snowmobiling, boating, running, and lift weights. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, boyfriend and friends. I have two great little sisters, Marie (12) and Megan (10) who insist they are drivers in training. I love it when I can catch one of their basketball or volleyball games.

Q. What track are you most looking forward to getting to and why?
J. My two favorites are Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH. The track owners, staff, and fans are like a second family to me.

Q. One thing that people don’t know about you.
J. You’re killing me… Pretty much, what you see, is what you get with me.

I would like to sincerely thank a few people who have played intricate roles in my career. Frank Hawley, a fantastic instructor for working with me from getting my Alcohol Funny Car license to signing off on my Top Fuel license. Clay Millican, Lance Larsen, Johnny West and the rest of our two car team for being the all-stars that they are and supporting me every step of the way. Evan Knoll for believing in my passion to drive his car and support his company.