NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Fan-favorite Top Fuel racer Scott Palmer will compete at the final two events of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, in Las Vegas and Pomona, thanks to new backing from RoofTec.

Palmer found new motivation after a chance meeting with Competition eliminator racer Rodger Brogdon after failing to qualify at the Texas NHRA FallNationals. Palmer was regrouping at Texas Motorplex when he and Brogdon struck up a conversation amid the sounds of loud music and cheerful camaraderie, and Palmer’s spirits were lifted when Brogdon, through his RoofTec business, offered to sponsor Palmer for the final two events of the year.

“It’s probably been five years ago now that we met,” Palmer recalled. “We were pitted back to back at Houston, and I walked over to apologize for our loud music. That’s when I realized we could possibly be brothers.”

Brogdon, a well-respected figure in the drag racing community, expressed his admiration for Palmer’s tenacity.

“I’m a Scott Palmer fan,” Brogdon said. “When I see Scott, I see a man doing everything possible to live his dream.” Brogdon emphasized his appreciation for Palmer’s relentless effort despite limited resources, calling it, “very impressive.”

Palmer’s primary sponsor, the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR), will share top billing with RoofTec, Brogdon’s roofing business, for the upcoming races. Palmer reflected on his challenging 2023 season, which ended with a severe crash and contributed to a late start to his racing campaign this year.

“Because of my crash, I got such a late start,” Palmer said. “There wasn’t much need to go to those races, and I was just trying to get back out there and find my rhythm again.”

The connection between Palmer and Brogdon was strengthened by their shared support for the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW), a charitable organization that aids injured racers. Brogdon, a significant contributor to DRAW, had reached out to Palmer during his recovery from injuries sustained while racing his unique nitro-burning Studebaker.

“This was the first time we had seen one another since Scott’s crash,” Brogdon noted. Their meeting at the Texas Motorplex took place after the DRAW auction, where both men reflected on the bonds formed through their passion for drag racing.

Palmer reciprocated Brogdon’s admiration, praising him for his contributions to the sport.

“Rodger is probably the most unselfish guy who’s worked his whole life to get what he’s got,” he said. He credited Brogdon for elevating Comp eliminator into a sport that fans actively follow, adding that his own respect for Brogdon grew when he admired his outspoken nature during their earlier racing interactions.

While Palmer aspires to drive a Comp car in the future, he also expressed interest in giving Brogdon the chance to pilot a fuel car, much like he once did with drag racing star Rickie Smith.

“I’ve always thought about driving one,” Brogdon admitted, revealing his desire to lend support to Palmer’s efforts. “I really like the guy and his team over there and their effort to compete at such a high level without the money like the big boys.”

With the upcoming races on the horizon, both Palmer and Brogdon are ready to face new challenges together, fueled by friendship and mutual respect for their shared love of drag racing.