Matt Hagan is one of NHRA’s most recognized names, known for his dominance in the Funny Car division and his deep connection to his Virginia roots. A four-time world champion and one of the sport’s most respected figures, Hagan’s success story is inseparable from the foundation his parents built for him. Let’s get to know a bit more about those folks from whom Hagan learned everything about grit, discipline, and humility lessons that still drive him.

Who are Matt Hagan’s parents?

Matt Hagan and his parents, David Hagan and his wife

Matt Hagan was born to David Hagan and his wife, whose name has not been publicly disclosed. His father, David Hagan, is a successful businessman and philanthropist from Christiansburg, Virginia.

He owns Shelor Motor Mile, a major automotive group, and Motor Mile Speedway, one of the region’s top racing and motorsport venues. David’s business empire has helped boost the local economy and create jobs in the New River Valley area.

Through his ventures, he’s also sponsored community events and motorsport initiatives that promote regional growth. Hagan once jokingly said, “I’ve been asking for a job for a while, and he won’t give me one. ‘You get to drive race cars,’ is what he’s told me every time.”

While not much is known publicly about Matt’s mother or whether he has siblings, what’s clear is that the Hagan household fostered hard work, family values, and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that shaped Matt into a world champion.

Where did David Hagan meet his wife?

David Hagan in his younger days

Information about how or when David Hagan met his wife has not been made public. Neither Matt nor David Hagan has discussed these personal details in interviews, and no verifiable reports exist in public records or media coverage.

What is known, however, is that the Hagan family has deep roots in Virginia, where both David and his wife have lived for decades. David’s career as a businessman in the Christiansburg area has been closely tied to the community, and the Hagan family has long been recognized as one of the most respected families in Virginia’s racing and business circles.

In interviews, Matt has often spoken about growing up surrounded by love, discipline, and strong work ethics, principles his parents instilled in him. Those early values, coupled with his family’s steady support, created the foundation for his later success in professional drag racing

What ethnicity are Matt Hagan’s parents?

While Matt Hagan’s nationality is American, there is no verified public information available regarding the specific ethnicity of his parents. Official driver profiles on NHRA.com list him as being from Christiansburg, Virginia, but do not provide further details about ancestry or family heritage.

Like many American families with deep southern roots, the Hagans have long been part of the Virginia farming and motorsports community.

Growing up on a family farm in Montgomery County in Christiansburg, Virginia, Matt’s upbringing reflects those long-standing regional traditions. The focus of the Hagan family story, both publicly and in Matt’s own words, has always been about values, hard work, and family strength rather than cultural background.

Inside Matt Hagan’s relationship with his parents

Matt Hagan shares a close relationship with his father, David Hagan, who remains one of his biggest inspirations. In a Competition Plus interview, Matt said his father “lives vicariously through me,” a reflection of their shared passion for racing and achievement.

David’s business, Motor Mile, has been a consistent sponsor for Matt’s racing team, symbolizing their partnership beyond family ties. “I think he enjoys seeing me do what I do and if that’s what I want to do…Him and Larry, his partner, they didn’t have to help me get started. They put a lot of time, energy, resources, and money into it.” Matt said about his father.

Though Matt’s mother stays out of the spotlight, he has often credited both parents for teaching him resilience, honesty, and faith values that continue to define his success on and off the track.

Conclusion

Matt Hagan’s journey from a Virginia farm boy to a four-time NHRA Funny Car champion is as much about family as it is about horsepower. His father, David Hagan, laid the groundwork through business leadership and a deep commitment to his community, while his mother provided the quiet strength behind the scenes.

Though much of their private life remains undisclosed, it’s clear that Matt’s parents shaped his unshakable work ethic and humble attitude. Whether on the farm, in business, or on the drag strip, the Hagans remain a picture of integrity and perseverance, a family that built success from the ground up.