73-Year-Old Driver Bernie Plourd Earns Top Fuel License
The record-setting driver plans to bring his dragster to Las Vegas for future competition.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Motorsports
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Bernie Plourd has become the oldest driver to earn a Top Fuel dragster license at 73 years old. He now plans to bring his racing career to the Las Vegas track for upcoming competition.
Why it matters
Local racing enthusiasts now have a unique veteran competitor to track as the valley continues to draw high-stakes motorsport events. His entry into the Top Fuel class marks a notable addition to the upcoming local race calendar.
At 73 years old, Bernie Plourd is the oldest driver to secure a Top Fuel license after hitting 296 mph during a 4.06-second pass. The specific schedule for his planned appearance in Las Vegas remains to be announced.
The players
Bernie Plourd
A 73-year-old race car driver who recently became the oldest person to earn a Top Fuel dragster license.
The details
Plourd successfully piloted his own vehicle at high speeds to clear the licensing requirements set by the sanctioning body. He intends to participate in a future Top Fuel event within the valley. Residents and racing fans can look for his entry as the regional competition schedule continues to evolve.
Timeline
October 2026: Bernie Plourd completed his required Top Fuel license pass.
Beyond the Strip
Professional drag racing follows strict NHRA Top Fuel licensing protocols to ensure safety at speeds exceeding 290 mph. Plourd’s successful licensing marks a milestone in the sport, adhering to the same performance standards required of any driver regardless of age.
Local racing fans should monitor upcoming event calendars for announcements regarding when Plourd will make his Las Vegas track debut. Keep an eye on local venue schedules to see when Top Fuel events return to the valley.
The takeaway
Bernie Plourd stands as a testament to staying active in high-speed sports at any age. Follow regional racing updates to see when you can catch his next dragster run in person.
Further reading
You can find more coverage on the regional racing scene in the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carscoops.
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