When the Bic Lighters-sponsored Queen of Diamonds jet dragster pulls into the staging beams at this weekend's 27th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Super Chevy Show, spectators will see one of jet drag racing's youngest and most talented stars. She also happens to be one of the most determined people they may ever meet.
Twenty-four-year old Jessie Harris, from Rome, N.Y., began her love affair with drag racing when she was only six years old by tagging along to participate in her family's hobby, taking their race car to the drag strip. Harris knew from this young age that she wanted to compete in racing, not as a hobby, but professionally.
"I knew I wanted to race," Harris said, "so I began working my way into positions to meet owners and operators of racing teams. I was an event coordinator for a few years and was lucky enough to meet the right people."
Her first race came in an International Hot Rod Association event where she was considered the underdog. In the first round, the fans were unaware of the young driver. When Harris made it to the final round, and won, they took notice.
"I didn't have a real resume," she said, "but I proved I could hang with the best of them. The reception I got from the fans in the finals was great."
She continued to network and it paid off, as she was introduced to Al Hanna, owner of one of the top jet dragster teams in the country and the famous Queen of Diamonds.
"I met someone that knew Al Hanna and I interviewed with him," she explained. "I knew nothing about jets, but he said ‘if you can believe you can drive this car, you can.' Three months later I had the job."
Harris' first trip down the track in the jet proved to be a little unnerving. She did not expect the five G-force load that would be pulling on her body, and blacked out momentarily. She completed the run and came back to the pits. Within minutes, she was back in the car ready to go again.
"The first time I made a leave in this car, I blacked out because I didn't know how to breathe correctly," she said, "but I got back in the car for the next run and was fine. Each time I drive these cars, it is as thrilling as the first time. People say I'm a nut when I'm doing it, but I love it."
Harris, whose has two full time jobs and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree, enjoys touring with the family-oriented Super Chevy Show circuit because the schedule allows her more time to concentrate on her other activities. She also enjoys meeting the fans who come out to cheer for her and the drivers in the other exhibition classes.
"Getting to talk to all the different fans is the best part of my job," Harris said. "I came from a small town, and without the support from people throughout the years, I wouldn't be where I am, so I try to repay them by going out and being the best driver I can be."
Harris' sponsor, Bic Lighters, allows the young driver to tour the country using her position as a popular race car driver as a platform for motivational speeches to encourage others to follow their dreams, no matter how hard they may seem.
"Other than my parents, I don't think there were enough people encouraging me to drive," said Harris. "If I can motivate younger drivers and change the sport just a little, I will be happy. I am 24, get to travel the world and drive for the best jet team in the country. I'm just a lucky girl."
Harris, who recently received her Alcohol Funny Car license, is excited about returning to Bristol Dragway, a track she has not been to in four years.
"I had just started driving the jet when I visited Bristol the first time," she explained. "I ran single passes, but the fans didn't care, they were so great. The entire tunnel-effect of going down that strip is amazing. It is a phenomenal place and the staff is ready to help no matter what."
Race fans will be able to see Harris and the Queen of Diamonds jet dragster, as well as other wild exhibition vehicles, in action during this weekend's activities at the O'Reilly's Super Chevy Show.
Gates open at 10 a.m. on Friday, with a Test & Tune, open only to Super Chevy weekend participants, scheduled from noon-5pm.
Saturday's gates open at 7 a.m. and action begins with Time Trials at 9 a.m. Before the professional drivers take to the track at noon, they will participate in an autograph session in the pro pits at 11:30 a.m. Car show awards will be presented at 4 p.m., with another pro round at 4:30 p.m.
Gates open at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning with the first round of eliminations set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Professional racing occurs at noon and 4:30 p.m., while TREMEC Transmission Car Show awards will be handed out at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for Friday and $22 on Saturday and Sunday. A three-day pass may be purchased for $32. Fans may visit O'Reilly Auto Parts for a $3 off coupon for Saturday or Sunday adult general admission tickets. Junior tickets for those aged 11-15 are only $10.00 per day. A three-day junior pass is available for $15.00. Children 10 and under are free with an adult.
For more information about the O'Reilly Auto Parts Super Chevy Show, please call Bristol Dragway at 423.764.DRAG, or visit the Super Chevy Show Event Page.