06/08/2026
Jim Head is far more than a successful drag racer. An accomplished aerobatic pilot, civil engineer, contractor, mechanic, and inventor, Head has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most innovative competitors. His fascination with drag racing began at age 15 when he transformed a 1956 Chevrolet sedan into a small-block-powered D/Gas racer. Just one week after turning 16, he entered his first event at a local drag strip, launching a racing career that would span more than five decades.
Head’s early years were marked by a series of self-built race cars, each faster and more sophisticated than the last. After campaigning a small-block-powered Austin Bantam coupe and a 1956 Corvette in D/Gas competition, he moved into open-wheel racing with a 1927 T Roadster and later a small-block-powered dragster in C/ED competition. Building his own engines and refining his equipment, Head steadily improved his performance. His hard work paid off in 1979 when he established a new NHRA national elapsed-time record of 7.91 seconds in his class, proving both his driving ability and engineering talent.
In 1980, Head entered the world of supercharged nitro racing with a Chrysler Hemi-powered Top Alcohol Dragster. After experiencing nitromethane power for the first time at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, where he advanced to the semifinals, he was hooked. The appeal of nitro racing extended beyond speed; it offered an environment where innovation and experimentation could thrive. Throughout the following decades, Head alternated between Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars, earning victories at major NHRA events including the U.S. Nationals and Cajun Nationals while establishing himself as a consistent competitor in professional drag racing.
Beyond his accomplishments behind the wheel, Head’s greatest impact may be his technological contributions to the sport. He is widely credited with introducing onboard computer technology to nitro-powered race cars, a breakthrough that transformed data collection and performance tuning. He also pioneered the use of automatically activated multi-stage clutch systems, technology that has since become standard throughout professional drag racing. Additional innovations in supercharger and fuel-system design further demonstrated his willingness to challenge conventional thinking and push the limits of performance.
In 2013, Head stepped away from driving duties and handed the wheel of his Funny Car to his son, Chad Head, while remaining actively involved as crew chief and team owner. Even after leaving the driver’s seat, he continued to pursue performance improvements and competitive success. Equally important, Head became a strong advocate for safety, incorporating additional padding, structural reinforcements, and impact-absorbing materials into his race cars. His commitment to both speed and driver protection reflects the philosophy that has defined his career: constant innovation, relentless competition, and a determination to make the sport faster and safer for future generations.
