Talented and very versatile Canadian drag racing talent Spencer Hyde made his Funny Car class debut during last weekend’s 2025 season opening NHRA Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals at Florida’s Gainesville Raceway.

The high prospect racer, who is from Stratford Ontario, and who under the expert guidance of Paton Racing had earned his Top Fuel licence first – made his competition debut for FC behind the wheel of the Jim Head Racing Ford Mustang.

While the initial event result did not produce what was hoped for – a DNQ – Spencer’s first dip into the torrid waters of professional fuel Funny Car class racing is now off and running.

The overall NHRA Gatornationals event was in fact problematic – as Mother Nature had other ideas and as a result class qualifying for Funny Car was limited to only two attempts versus what would normally have been four.

“It was a humbling weekend to say the least,” Spencer said. “Starting this all off with a DNQ was not what I had in mind, but it’s just the way the cards fell.”

“I made licensing runs in Gainesville two weeks before the Gatornationals,” he affirmed. “But the weather and track conditions were not ideal for that either. We were only able to make 2 runs under full power, both of which I was asked to click it off at the 1/8 mile. They were both pretty solid runs resulting in a pair of 3.96’s at only 250 mph or so at the 1000 ft.”

“Our plans were to test again the week of the Gators but were sidelined so Q1 on Friday would be my first attempt at a full 1000’ run — but it smoked the tires. Q2 was then delayed and was pushed into the night. So now my very first full run in a funny car was going to be at night! For that it left and was on a pretty good run but I noticed at the 1/8 mile I had let the car get to the inside towards the centre of the race track. I added some right counter steer but it was simply not enough to keep me from hitting the finish line cone. I chalk this up as inexperience.”

“By comparison, if I’d had put that much wheel into my Pro Mod that far down track I’d be upside down,” he winked. “These cars are a much different driving experience technique wise for sure.”

“But overall, it was a positive learning experience and I’m looking forward to making more laps and getting more comfortable in the car.”

Spencer, who will campaign in the Jim Head Racing car full time this NHRA season will next be in action at Phoenix Arizona’s fabled Firebird Motorsports Park (NHRA Arizona Nationals Mar. 21-23).

Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelis