Matt Hagan’s vision for driving a Funny Car went beyond what his mind could imagine. In a month, the former Pro Modified driver will realize his dream when he fires his Torco-sponsored Funny Car during the IHRA Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.

Some of the grandest plans have humble beginnings and for Hagan, a simple trip to watch the local racing at Elk Creek Dragway located in the small town of Elk Creek, Virginia ignited his interest in piloting a race car. Eight years old at the time, the visit had such a profound affect on the youngster, Hagan was racing four-wheelers five years later on Friday nights.

Once Matt was old enough to get a driver's license, his father, David, invested in a drag car for his aspiring son.

“When I was 16 I got my first Chevy Nova,” Hagan recalled. “I really didn’t know anything about race cars. The car was all cleaned up and you could tell the guy who was selling it took good care of it. He was telling me all about the car in terms that were Greek to me. I was in way over my head. He could have sold me the biggest piece of junk in the world and I would have been happy with it. Fortunately, it turned out to be a pretty good car.

“We ran that car for about a year, then decided to do some local Quick 8 races,” he said, continuing with his story. “We bought another car, an old Trans Am with a 632 nitrous motor and two stages of spray. We ran with a bunch of local guys and won a couple of races.

Matt Hagan’s vision for driving a Funny Car went beyond what his mind could imagine. In a month, the former Pro Modified driver will realize his dream when he fires his Torco-sponsored Funny Car during the IHRA Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.

Some of the grandest plans have humble beginnings and for Hagan, a simple trip to watch the local racing at Elk Creek Dragway located in the small town of Elk Creek, Virginia ignited his interest in piloting a race car. Eight years old at the time, the visit had such a profound affect on the youngster, Hagan was racing four-wheelers five years later on Friday nights.

Once Matt was old enough to get a driver's license, his father, David, invested in a drag car for his aspiring son.

“When I was 16 I got my first Chevy Nova,” Hagan recalled. “I really didn’t know anything about race cars. The car was all cleaned up and you could tell the guy who was selling it took good care of it. He was telling me all about the car in terms that were Greek to me. I was in way over my head. He could have sold me the biggest piece of junk in the world and I would have been happy with it. Fortunately, it turned out to be a pretty good car.

“We ran that car for about a year, then decided to do some local Quick 8 races,” he said, continuing with his story. “We bought another car, an old Trans Am with a 632 nitrous motor and two stages of spray. We ran with a bunch of local guys and won a couple of races.

“But I wanted to go faster and so did my dad, so we ended up with another car with a full 738 in it. We ran it on the Big Dog and Mean 16 circuits for a while, but once we had a couple of wins under out belt we decided to step up to Pro Mod.”

Hagan’s vision of being a full-time racer still seemed like a pipe dream as he entered Ferrum College before transferring to Radford University. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

Hagan raced while maintaining his education curriculum and also worked at his father's Shelor Motor Mile dealership.

“Dad basically runs several franchises at Shelor’s,” Hagan said. “He’s into about 10 different things at 10 different times and how he gets any sleep, I’m not real sure. But he seems to enjoy doing it and it allows us to go racing. He’s been really good to me as far as supporting what I’m doing. When he found out I took an interest in drag racing he just really stuck behind me and supported me. But I think he likes it, too.”

The elder Hagan also co-owns Motor Mile Dragway in Radford, Virginia. The track stands as a crown jewel in the Mid-Atlantic region and was duly rewarded as the IHRA Sportsman Track of the Year in 2006 during its second year of existence.

Ironically, those accolades came the same year as the younger Hagan’s maiden national event experience during the 2006 NHRA ACDelco Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Playing on the big stage of national event drag racing left Hagan awe-struck.

“The first time I ever drove a Pro Mod was in Gainesville,” Hagan recalled. “I remember they had a big screen TV and while I was doing my burnout I could see myself on TV,” he said. “I got all messed up on my burnout because I was watching myself instead of paying attention to what I was supposed to be doing. The cameras and all the people…it was really a ‘wow’ factor for me. But after I made my first lap or so the people just sort of faded away as far as paying attention to what I had to get done.”

Hagan’s talents were quickly recognized as he gained the AMS Pro Mod Rookie of the Year award. His success also attracted Torco Race Fuels as the primary sponsor.

“When they came on board with us they really gave us the ability and funds to run really well,” Hagan said. “It also gave me the confidence to go forward. It’s been really beneficial for me as a driver to be associated with Torco. They’ve definitely taken my career to the next level.”

Hagan’s competitive nature has encouraged another major step. Just like the Pro Modified challenge, he jumped with both feet first into Nitro Funny Car with the purchase of an ex-Tim Wilkerson Funny Car. The interaction with the veteran Nitro competitor made a mark on the impressionable Hagan. This impact was further increased as Wilkerson assisted in Hagan’s licensing runs during a test session in Las Vegas.

“When I was making my runs he was super nice and treated me like I was one of his own,” Hagan said. “He went through the procedure with me time and time again. He was really down to earth, took his time with me and made sure I understood everything that was going on. I’d like to have my own team work that way some day.”

Hagan enters this monumental challenge with some impressive individuals working the pits. His Nitro Funny Car crew will be led by crew chief Jay Lewis, an 11-year veteran of the Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car wars. Lewis has three career wins with Lagana Racing in IHRA Top Fuel competition, and in 2006 was named the IHRA Crew Chief of the Year.

“We’re very excited to have Jay on board,” Hagan said. “We are putting together what we think will be a very competitive team for the IHRA series…Jay is going to be a substantial piece of the puzzle.”

Also assisting is two-time IHRA Funny Car Champion Dale Creasy, also in the Torco stable.

Hagan continued, “I asked Dale if he had any advice to give me to get me going. “Dale said, ‘Man, at 300 mph ain’t nobody but you can tell you what to do.”

“I thought, ‘Man -- that was reassuring.”

“Dale is a great guy and probably the best person a rookie driver like myself could have on his side. I’ll be learning a lot from him in 2008.”

All of this impressive race car preparation pales in comparison when compared to the major task he has at home. Hagan is busy honing his fatherhood skills. He and his wife Rachael have a 15-month-old son named Colby.

“Any free time when I’m not at the shop working I try to spend with my family and my son,” Hagan said. “We go to the park or find activities to keep the little one entertained. He’s getting to be a handful, but he’s a lot of fun.”