Moving up from his start in the Junior Dragster ranks to bracket racing as a teenager , Brannon learned the ropes not far from home at nearby Greer Dragway . His mother , who passed away several years ago , handed over the reins of her dragster to Brannon when he decided it was time to move up once again .

Since his humble beginnings in rural Boiling Springs , South Carolina , Brannon ’ s gone big-time . Brannon took ownership of a 2012 Maddox Race Cars chassis and engine and has since amassed an enviable collection of titles and big money wins ; Brannon won the 2014 IHRA Top Dragster championship and a $ 10,000 prize , the NHRA Super Comp Division II championship in both 2014 and 2015 , and the NHRA Super Comp world title in 2015 .

On the big money bracket racing side , Brannon – who competes primarily in Super Gas and Super Comp – won at Mooresville Dragway in 2015 when he took home a $ 5,000 check . Alabama ’ s Montgomery Motorsports Park yielded paydays of $ 10,000 in 2010 , $ 7,000 in 2011 , and $ 20,000 in 2013 . While competing at Atco Dragway in New Jersey during the 2015 season , Brannon bolstered his bank account to the tune of $ 25,000 . He kept the checks coming and scored a bonus of $ 5,000 as well as a championship helmet when he was crowned the overall Wiseco 5-Day Points Chase winner at the 2016 Spring Fling in Bristol , Tennessee . “ I also won $ 25,000 at the Million Dollar Race this year on Sunday ,” Brannon proudly added of the famed event at Montgomery Motorsports Park . “ I ran at the World Series of Bracket Racing in Darlington , South Carolina and made it through to the late rounds here but didn ’ t win the big prize that time .”

It ’ s impressive for anyone to win as consistency as Brannon does , but the fact he ’ s still considered a young gun in the sport makes it even more impressive . It ’ s his drive and determination to improve that pushes Brannon to greatness , and he recently decided to try something new : Brannon yanked his sponsored dragster ’ s 655 ci PAR

engine in favor of a 540 ci ProCharged PAR bullet . With the boosted combination , Brannon ’ s dabbled in PDRA and NHRA Top Dragster ranks .

Day to day , Brannon balances the complexities of managing a career , professionally and as a racer , while planning a wedding with his fiancée and

fellow racer , Ivey Nicole Hutto . “ My biggest challenge is trying to work and race . Working at PAR makes it easier , but trying to balance everything can still be tough ,” he admitted . He thrives on the challenge , though , and instead finds motivation . “ I see so many of our customers that are young , and it inspires me to try and be as good as them .

Whether it ’ s a local race or a big NHRA event , I try and race hard . I give it everything I ’ ve got , every single time .”

Most notably , it ’ s Brannon ’ s boss at PAR Race Engines , four-time champion Scott Duggins , who he looks up to the most . PAR customers such as Anthony Bertozzi , Peter Biondo , and Steve Furr have all also been instrumental in encouraging Brannon . “ I ’ ll ask them for advice or what they ’ re thinking about how to approach a run , and they all help me out ,” he said of the support he receives . “ I really have to give all the glory to God , and all the people that have helped me along the way including PAR , Maddox , FTI Performance , Mickey Thompson , and , of course , my fiancée ’ s family business , Ivey Hutto Golf Carts . Without all their help , there ’ s no way I could do any of this .”

Long-term , Brannon plans to keep making it big in the world of big money bracket racing . It ’ s where his heart is , and , fortunately for him , the sport is repaying his dedication .

– AINSLEY JACOBS DI

PHOTOS : COLE ROKOSKY , ALEX OWENS