For more than 20 years I’ve followed and covered NASCAR racing, with a few ARCA and short track events thrown in for variety. I even had the chance to watch the International Race of Champions (IROC) live during its heyday, watching guys like Al Unser Jr. compete with legendary stock car pilots.

One form of motorsports I’ve never seen in person, however, is drag racing.

But if Andy Kelley continues doing what he’s doing, I better make time for the hot rods.

Kelley, from Piedmont, took his second victory in the last three International Hot Rod Association events Sunday, claiming the championship of the North American Nationals in Epping, N.H.

He recently finished second in the Sooner Nationals in Oklahoma, which came on the heels of his first career victory in the Northern Nationals in Michigan.

Before his run of success, Kelley considered parking his Nitro Funny Car for the remainder of the 2008 season due to lack of money. Now he has a good chance of finishing second in the points standings and setting himself up as a man to beat in 2009.

“Earlier this year I knew we were getting better, and had a shot at winning an event,” he said. “But to come out the past three races, go to three straight Finals and win two Championships has really exceeded our expectations. Richard Hartman has done a great job tuning the car for consistency, and that’s why we’re winning races. In the past we’ve been maybe a little quicker here or there, but didn’t have the consistency. Now Richard has us making strong runs, and getting down the track cleanly lap after lap.”

Kelley made the trek to New Hampshire in fifth place in the IHRA Nitro Funny Car points chase, but after topping number two qualifier Cory Lee in round one, Kelley upset the event’s number one qualifier, Matt Hagan, in round two with a 5.10 second run at 300.66 mph.

In the Finals Kelley went head-to-head with the current points leader Terry Haddock and beat him, a win that vaulted the Upstate driver to third place in the standings.

Kelley is now tied with Paul Lee in that spot — two points behind Matt Hagan for second.

The season concludes Oct. 17-19 at Rockingham Dragway, which is a venue a lot closer than most places he competes at.

That being the case, Kelley wouldn’t mind showing off in front of some friendly faces.

“After a slow start, this is turning into a dream season,” Kelley said. “We have a chance, if we can qualify strong in Rockingham and go rounds, to finish the season in second place. We’d love to have a lot of local support at the World Finals, and would encourage our local fans and friends to drive up and see us at The Rock.

“It’s a great facility, and one of the few places fans can sit almost right up on the track.”

Thanks to Kelley’s success I’ve found myself paying a lot more attention to all forms of drag racing, trying to get up to speed on a sport that, frankly, wasn’t even on my radar a couple of months ago.

Considering we might have a future IHRA champion in our own backyard, I suspect it’ll be time well spent.