I was born in the Four Corners area (where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado meet) and basically grew up in the area. Went to different area schools and graduated from San Juan High in Blanding, Utah in 1978. I have been working for ConocoPhillips 31 years, and been involved in the sport of mud racing for over 30 years. I’m a full-blooded Navajo Indian and lived in Montezuma Creek on the Utah portion of the Navajo Indian Reservation since my childhood until 1993 when I moved to Farmington, New Mexico where I currently reside. Been married for almost 30 years to Judith and have 2 grown kids, Tara and Kyle.
I got involved with mud racing by helping out and pit crewing for a friend who had a racer. As time went on I eventually ended up in the driver’s seat. I never had the luxury of starting out in the slower classes like most folks and working my way up. I started out in the Open/Unlimited Classes right off the bat and had to quickly learn the ropes of competing in those classes. Over time I went out on my own and started racing my own vehicle. I designed and built my own frame and I still run the same design to this day, I just have to build a new one every other year due to the abuse it gets. I build frames for other racers to support my racing.
I started out running a 355 small block with a 8-71, then a 468 big block with a 14-71, and now run a 548 all-aluminum BBC with a Littlefield 14-71 Hi-Helix. I ran a PowerGlide for a number of years and it got to the point where it wouldn’t hold up so I had to upgrade to an SCS tranny with a CrowerGlide. I run a Ford 9” front and rear. I build my own motors, tranny, and axles. I also build motors for other racers to support my racing. I run an S-10 Chevy body on my racer which I’ve narrowed and sectioned.
I primarily race in the western portion of the United States with many different associations but have ventured as far East as Anderson, SC and several times to Indy with the NMRO. In the process I have met and made lifetime friends with a lot of nice people. I’ve done indoor shows along with monster trucks, tuff trucks, and motorcross in most of the big cities in the region. I hold the track ET records and pretty much have been undefeated for a number of years throughout the Navajo Reservation and beyond.
I take great pride in representing the Navajo Tribe and the Native Americans everytime I race at the bigger races. I also pride myself at being able to compete at this level without the benefit of sponsors, I basically run my racing operation out of my own pocket. A very understanding wife also helps a great deal. With my limited budget I don’t have a regular pit crew but my brothers, family, relatives, and friends help out here and there to make it to the next race. In my spare time, which there isn’t much of, I piddle around on my vehicles, go to the NHRA Drag Races in the region, and ride our Harley.
HarryDee@ProBadd.com
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