Gary L. & Gari L. Harper
Motorsports Management & Operations Leadership Team
803 S. Forewood Dr., Arkansas City, KS 67005
Cell: 719-248-4249 • Message: 719-248-4354
Email: gharper5276@gmail.com
Professional Summary
Innovative, hands-on husband and wife management team with 30+ years of combined drag-racing experience and a proven track record of transforming motor sports facilities into profitable, customer-focused destinations. Recognized for operational excellence, racer-centric event execution, superior customer service, and building strong community and sponsor relationships. Strategic thinkers with complementary skill set who excel in track operations, team leadership, event development, and creating welcoming, well-run, high-efficiency race environments. Dedicated to ensuring that every racer and spectator leaves with an exceptional experience.
Core Competencies
- Customer Service Excellence
- Track Preparation & Race Operations
- Team Leadership & HR
- Event Scheduling & Race Program Design
- Racer Relations & Hospitality
- Sponsorship Acquisition & Partner Relations
- Social Media & WordPress Website Management
- Accounting & Financial Tracking
- Equipment Repair & Maintenance
- WDRA / IHRA / NHRA Rules & Procedures
- Community & Vendor Engagement
- Efficient Gate, Payout, & Records Management
Professional Experience
Mid America Dragway LLC – Arkansas City, KS
General Managers | November 2022 – Present
- Expanded and diversified the season schedule to include No Prep, Radial prep, and multi-day bracket events.
- Revamped bracket structure to draw racers from wider regions.
- Streamlined gate operations—improving revenue tracking, record-keeping, and reducing theft.
- Partnered with the local Chamber of Commerce to create scalable community and destination events.
Onawa Dragway LLC – Onawa, IA
General Managers | February 2022 – Present
- Increased sponsorship revenue by 20%+.
- Redesigned non-points weekend events to accommodate racer needs during high fuel-cost seasons.
- Created free spectator days for surrounding counties, significantly expanding exposure to drag racing.
- Led a full team to Bracket Finals and expanded racer participation from 8 states.
Wilson Racing LLC (DBA Onawa Dragway) – Onawa, IA
General Managers | September 2019 – October 2021
IHRA Track of the Year – 2021
- Grew ET Finals participation from 13 racers (2019) to 45 racers from 6 states (2021), with two 25-person teams in 2020.
- Increased average car count from 26 (2019) to 130–150 per event (2021).
- Built a customer-focused culture where racers trusted event execution and facility consistency.
Dragway 42 – West Salem, OH
General Manager, Operations | July 2017 – July 2019
- Increased points-program participation from 63 to 190+ racers in one season.
- Grew average points-race car count from 180 to 380+.
- Secured multiple high-profile “Big Money” events, including ACE Ohio Events and SFG Promotions.
- Hosted and rebooked major national motorcycle series (NHDRO & Mancup).
- Earned multiple facility honors: IHRA Division 3 Track of the Year (2018) and IHRA Division 3 Bracket Finals Champion (2018).
Pueblo Motorsports Park (RCSC) – Pueblo, CO
Operations & Race Management | April 2016 – August 2016
- Managed phones, customer communication, payouts, and trophy distribution.
- Created racer handbook, developed race programs, and designed season schedule.
- Served as liaison with city/county and marketing partners.
- Oversaw website/WordPress updates, social media, facility and equipment maintenance.
- Conducted track prep, daily operations, and race-day coordination.
- Supported hiring and staff oversight while reporting directly to ownership.
Additional Highlights
- 30+ years of combined drag racing experience.
- Strong mechanical, equipment, and facility troubleshooting ability.
- Reputation for honesty, transparency, reliability, and “events that run as advertised.”
- Known for creating safe, organized, racer-focused environments with exceptional customer service.