Michiana pro racer finally tastes victory
ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. — a local underdog just reached a major career milestone that’s now picking up national attention.
“I am a firm believer that persistence outweighs resistance, no matter what anyone says, you can do it,” said NHRA Top Fuel winner Terry McMillen.
After 195 events, Elkhart County native Terry McMillen won his first top fuel victory at the National Hot Rod Association’s Toyota Nationals.
“We out ran everybody, we did our job. Rob and the entire crew did an amazing job and we couldn’t be happier, I still can’t come off cloud nine,” he said. “I’ll cherish that time because it’s something we’ve always had in our sights to do and we did it.”
McMillen is now the 104th Top Fuel winner for the sport.
The road to victory started with support from his neighbors.
“To everybody that drives by my house, wave, honk, say, ‘good luck’ and keep me motivated, thank you because this was a blessed day,” said McMillen.
McMillen says he waited for the day for many years.
“It’s taken me a long time I’ve been in the NHRA for 7 years,” he said.
The victory capped off an already memorable week for the racer.
“It’s really kind of crazy,” he said. “It was almost seven days to the minute when we won the race from the week before when we got married.”
A victory is fine but family counts more to McMillen.
So while he preps for his next race, he wants to make sure they’re along for the ride.