Larry Dixon (drag racer)

Larry Dixon, Jr. (born October 23 1966) is a professional drag racer in the NHRA. Larry is the son of Larry Dixon, Sr., who won one national event.

Drag Racing Career

1980s and 1990s

Dixon got his start in 1988 while working on Don "The Snake" Prudhomme's Funny Car. In 1994 he earned his Top Fuel license with 4.76-second pass at Gatornationals at Gainesville, Florida. In 1995 his rookie season he earned Rookie of the Year honors. That season became third rookie to win $100,000 Budweiser Shootout, the first Top Fuel rookie to win at Indianapolis since Gary Beck in 1972 and set NHRA's elapsed time record at Englishtown.

In 1997 Dixon was the runner-up in Budweiser Shootout from the No. 8 qualifying spot. Then in 1998 won Pomona 1, joining his father on the Top Fuel winner’s list at the event. He qualified the first at Indianapolis. In 1999 he became the first Top Fueler to go under 4.5 secs.

2000s

In 2000 Dixon won six events in nine final round appearances, including the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals for the second time in his career. The victories propelled him to finish in the top 10 of the POWERade point standings for his seventh consecutive season. He also won the $100,000 Budweiser Shootout bonus event.

Dixon earned first NHRA POWERade championship in 2002 after leading the points standings all season. He tied the single-season Top Fuel record for victories with nine, and was named Driver of the Year for the second quarter.

Dixon became fifth Top Fuel driver to win consecutive NHRA POWERade Top Fuel championships in 2003. He was the only the fourth driver in NHRA history to sweep the Western Swing. That year he moved to fourth on Top Fuel all-time win list [nhra.com driver profile page] . He clocked his career-best speed which stood as national record for 15 events. He won the rain delayed 2002 Budweiser Shootout, which was completed at '03 season-opener

In 2004 he earned two victories in three final round appearances and finished his tenth consecutive NHRA POWERade Series season in the top 10 points. That season he tied legendary “Big Daddy” Don Garlits for third on all-time Top Fuel wins list with 35 career victories. [nhra.com driver profile page] He finished second at the $100,000 Budweiser Shootout after gaining starting spot in bonus event via wild-card selection.

Dixon raced to three victories in seven final rounds in 2005. He clocked his career-best elapsed time at Pomona 1. He had three No. 1 qualifying efforts. His victory at Englishtown, on Father’s Day was his fifth consecutive victory on the day. With victory at Las Vegas 1, Dixon moved ahead of Don Garlits on all-time Top Fuel wins list. [nhra.com driver profile page] He won his third Mac Tools U.S. Nationals that year. It was his eleventh consecutive POWERade Series Top 10 finish when he finished second in the POWERade point standings.

In 2006 he advanced to his only final round of the season on Father’s Day (Englishtown), but lost on that day for the first time after winning it five consecutive seasons. He posted four semifinal appearances and earned his twelfth consecutive POWERade Series Top 10 points finish. He second at four races, including the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

In 2008:In Phoenix, AZ Larry tied 2nd All-Time Wins with Tony Schumacer with 43 wins in NHRA Top Fuel Competition, then 3 weeks later in Gainsville, FL Tony took over 2nd win he won the GatorNationals now Tony has 44 while Larry has 43. Joe Amato is 1st with 52 victories in NHRA Competition.

Sponsor Change

In 2007 Miller Lite chose to leave Don Prudhomme Racing and stay with NASCAR. Larry Dixon then got a sponsorship on February 8, 2007 from SkyTel Wireless. In 2008, with teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. left to drive for the re-retired Kenny Bernstien in the Monster Energy Drink Dodge Charger. Dixon got another sponsor now in U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.

Personal life

Larry is married to Allison Dixon and they have 3 kids Donovan, Alana, and Darien.