Ryan Peery Goes Back-to-Back in Top Fuel Harley with Record-Setting Run

Ryan Peery is on a roll. Just weeks after taking home the Ironman at Darana Dragway – West Salem in Ohio, the Top Fuel Harley standout did it again, powering to a second straight win during the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series event at Darana Motorsports Park – Dunn in North Carolina. 

Peery entered race day as the No. 3 qualifier and wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of the most consistent riders in the class. He opened eliminations with a 4.100-second pass to defeat Tim Kerrigan’s 4.348. In the semifinals, Peery faced veteran racer Tracy Kile, where he delivered a 4.134 at 184.19 mph while Kile slowed to a 5.555 at 95.28 mph.

That performance set up a final-round showdown against No. 1 qualifier Christopher Smith, who had just defeated Bob Malloy in his semifinal matchup. When the lights came down, Peery left with a sharp .048 reaction time and never looked back—charging to a 4.088-second pass at 207.56 mph to not only secure the win but also set a new national IHRA E.T. record. Smith had a quicker .037 light, but a dropped cylinder right at the hit forced him to a 6.406 at 89.35 mph.

In the winner’s circle, Peery dedicated the victory to someone who couldn’t be there in person but was with him in spirit.

“Back-to-back. Feels great,” Peery said. “I’ve got a group of guys that are helping me this weekend—the same group that’s always there. Chris and Frank, Buddy and Mindy, the Nitro Hobos helping me. I’ve got support staff back home—my wife and the boys—and my biggest fan, my mom. She’s been in the hospital for four weeks and has surgery on Wednesday, so this one was for her.”

The emotional win marks a defining moment in Peery’s 2025 campaign.

Photos by: Robert Richard/BME Photography