Travis Kissinger: DragChamp Racer Spotlight

Travis Kissinger is in this week’s DragChamp Racer Spotlight. Learn all about this DragChamp Pro Member in his spotlight below!

PULASKI, VA – Travis Kissinger started racing in 2020. He has always harbored a deep love for racing, with a passion for drag racing and the automotive industry instilled in him at a young age. Growing up, Travis spent time working on cars alongside his dad and regularly attended local racetracks on the weekends with his family. As he grew older, the desire to transition from being a spectator on the sidelines to driving his own race car became increasingly apparent.

Fast forward to the present, Travis primarily competes in the Sportsman class and also enjoys running Footbrake. His two home tracks are Motor Mile Dragway and Elk Creek Dragway, and occasionally, he travels to Farmington Dragway as well.

Learn more about Travis below!

Racing History

During his rookie year, Travis notched six wins and four runner-ups, propelling him to win the Sportsman track championship at Motor Mile Dragway in Radford, Virginia.

Additionally, he finished fourth in points at Elk Creek Dragway, securing the Sportsman championship for the Southwest Virginia Coalition. This success qualified Travis for the IHRA World Finals, where he finished in the top 10 in the nation for the Sportsman class.

Travis rode the wave of success throughout the 2022 season as well. He secured three wins and achieved several runner-up finishes, earning the Sportsman track championship at Motor Mile Dragway for the second consecutive year. Travis then punched his ticket to the IHRA World Finals again, finishing fourth in the nation this time.

To cap off the amazing year, Travis was selected for Drag Illustrated’s “30 under 30” list. Receiving that award is undeniably the current highlight of his career. In 2023, he unexpectedly took a hiatus from the racing side of things as he assumed the role of Track Manager at Motor Mile Dragway. This decision was made to keep a local track open for racers because, at the time, the future of the track was uncertain.

His Race Car

Travis’ connection to racing goes beyond the thrill of the track; it’s deeply rooted in the very car he drives. His race car, a 1999 Camaro named Frostty, holds a special place in his heart. What makes it meaningful is the fact that Travis, alongside his dad, meticulously built the car from the ground up. The Camaro was also Travis’ daily driver at one time.

Delving into the technical details of the setup, the car boasts a stock aluminum block LS with ls6 heads and intake. A stage 3 polluter cam from Tick Performance, a stage 2 4L60e from Performabuilt Transmissions, and a fab 9 rear end with 4.30 gears from Quick Performance. With this setup, it usually runs somewhere between the 7.6s and 7.7s in the 1/8 mile. 

Accomplishments

• 2022 Drag Illustrated 30 under 30 honoree
• 2 time Sportsman Track Champion
• 2 time IHRA National Top 10 
• 2022 Southwest Virginia Coalition Sportsman Champion

Outside of Racing

When Travis isn’t behind the wheel of his race car, he enjoys spending time til his family and watching his kids, 10-year-old stepson Ben and energetic 2-year-old, Kolbi, grow up. Beyond the racetrack, Travis is a passionate musician who plays the drums, bass, and guitar. Prior to getting into racing, he played in a band with his high school friends and even did some small tours here and there. The band’s name was Bottom of the Ninth.

Some more fun facts about Travis is that his favorite football team is the Philedelphia Eagles and his favorite TV Show is Survivor. Travis’ favorite music genre is Rock/Punk and his favorite music artist is A Day to Remember.

Travis’ Q&A

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

My future goals would be to win a World Championship, I have been close a couple of times but would love to be able to seal the deal! I would also like to race in a NHRA national event one day. Personally, I would like to work towards racing a Pro Stock car, I think that would be a lot of fun. 

Who has made the biggest impact on your racing success?

God will forever hold all of the glory for all of my successes. Without his blessings and sacrifices none of this would even be possible. 

Who do you look up to in the sport?

I look up to a lot of different racers for different reasons but I think the one that stands out the most for me is Clay Millican. He has a very infectious smile and is overall a great guy. I had the pleasure of speaking with him at the PRI show last year and he is just as genuine in person as he is on TV or social media. 

Tell us what you do for a living? 

I currently work as a Robotics Engineer at Volvo Trucks North America, in Dublin Virginia. I’m responsible for programming and troubleshooting the robots that paint the Volvo Trucks that you see on the interstate. I also play a key role in the development of new paint processes within the factory. I have worked for the Volvo Group for 10 years now

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

To me the hardest part of drag racing is not getting caught up in your own head. There is so much that can go through your mind before you stage the car that really plays a toll on how you perform. If you can keep all of that in check and stay focused the rest will work out how it’s supposed to.

What motivates you to continue racing?

My motivation to continue racing is to be a role model for the younger generations and those with disabilities. There are so many people that may not be introduced to the sport because they feel they are incapable or held back because of a disability. God gave us this one life to make a difference, so why not take the opportunity to use our talents or skills to make a positive impact on someone else that may be less fortunate?

Name one thing most people don’t know about you?

One thing most people don’t know about me  is that I was born with a very rare condition called Proteus Syndrome. This condition caused the bones in my feet to grow abnormally, so they are much larger and look different from how “normal” feet look. When I was born the doctors told my parents that I would more than likely never walk. But with the Grace of God and a lot of trial and tribulation, I was able to prove them wrong. That is why I am a very big supporter of those with disabilities, I want to be there for those people and show them the world in a way they may have never seen it. My whole goal in life is to try to help others have a better life even if it’s a little “different”. We only have this one life, so why not make the very best of it. 

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

First off, I would like to thank my wife Kay, for always sticking by my side through all of my racing endeavors. She has always been my biggest supporter and pushes me to be the best person that I can be. Second, I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for everything that they do on and off of the track. You guys are the best and I don’t think I could do it without you. Finally, I would like to thank the sponsors and companies that support my racing program.

Performabuilt Transmissions, Deanie Hall- State Farm, Gearhead Solutions, Red Line Oil, and Tick Performance. 

What is a piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring racer?

A piece of advice that I would give to the aspiring racer would be to always be yourself and never sell yourself short. You can always do what you set your mind to, even if it may be different from someone else. Stay humble, kind, and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. 

For more DragChamp racer spotlights, click here.

Want to become a DragChamp Pro Member like Travis? Check out the details here.