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Bernie Plourd, 73, Becomes Oldest NHRA Top Fuel Licence Holder
At 73, Bernie Plourd has obtained his NHRA Top Fuel licence, becoming the oldest person to do so, and will bring his own dragster to Las Vegas.
By Eleanor Ellington · 4 min read
Bernie Plourd has become the oldest person to obtain a National Hot Rod Association licence to drive Top Fuel dragsters, at the age of 73. He will bring his own Top Fuel dragster to Las Vegas, where he is expected to compete or take part in an event.
The NHRA licence is a mandatory credential for drivers in the category, requiring a series of on-track tests and medical checks. Top Fuel dragsters are among the fastest accelerating racing cars in the world, capable of covering a quarter-mile in under four seconds and reaching speeds above 330 mph. The physical demands on drivers are extreme, with forces of up to 8g under acceleration.
Plourd's achievement is notable because Top Fuel is a professional category dominated by much younger competitors. Most drivers in the series are in their twenties, thirties or forties. Only a handful have competed into their fifties and sixties, and none had previously obtained a licence at 73. His success demonstrates that age need not be a barrier to competing at the highest level of drag racing, provided a driver meets the sport's safety and performance standards.
Bringing his own dragster to Las Vegas means Plourd is not merely a licence holder but an active participant. Top Fuel teams typically require substantial financial and logistical resources, including a specialised transporter, a crew of mechanics and a supply of nitromethane fuel. Running a single dragster for a season can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. Plourd's decision to campaign his own car suggests a long-standing personal commitment to the sport.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts NHRA national events on its four-lane drag strip, and the city is a regular stop on the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series calendar. The venue attracts large crowds and is known for its fast track conditions. Plourd's presence there will draw attention from fans and fellow competitors alike, as his story is unusual in a sport where youth and reaction time are often emphasised.
The NHRA has not commented specifically on Plourd's licence, but its rules do not impose an upper age limit. Instead, drivers must pass a physical examination and complete a supervised test session to demonstrate they can handle the car safely. Once licensed, they are eligible to enter national events subject to qualifying standards. Plourd's achievement therefore reflects both his personal fitness and the sport's merit-based licensing system.
For British readers interested in motorsport, Plourd's story is a reminder that drag racing's appeal spans generations. It also highlights the growing presence of older competitors in amateur and professional categories, from historic racing to endurance events. While Top Fuel remains an extreme discipline, Plourd's licence shows that experience and determination can still open doors at any age.
Plourd's next steps in Las Vegas will be watched closely. If he qualifies for a national event, he will become the oldest driver to compete in Top Fuel at an NHRA national meeting. Even if he does not, his achievement in obtaining the licence is already a record. It is a milestone that underscores how drag racing rewards preparation and courage rather than youth alone.
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