It was eyes wide open for Canada’s Spencer Hyde making his third career start within NHRA’s brutal fuel Funny Car class last weekend.

And Spencer was most certainly “in the mix” for the NHRA’s Lucas Oil Winternationals title at fabled Pomona CA.

For Spencer, it was a very remarkable effort while driving for just the third time in class competition in the Jim Head Racing Ford Mustang. The resident of Stratford Ontario went deep into Sunday and earned a superb semi-final round finish. That strong showing came after a couple of DNQs during his previous two NHRA starts at Gainesville & Phoenix.

After qualifying 14th (3.971 secs) Spencer dropped a lot of jaws with a stunning first round winlight over non-other then Ron Capps. In that match he hit a career quick and fast 3.886 secs @ 322.19 mph.

Then in round #2 he took the measure of Cruz Pedregon winning with a tire spinning but effective driving result 4.142 secs ET. In the semifinal round he was forced to lift again due to tire spin — resulting in a loss to Daniel Wilkerson at a 3.894 secs to 5.000 secs differential.

Spencer’s growing control for the race car was very evident throughout the event and his “street smarts” within the class have begun to sink in.

“Obviously we struggled the first couple races but at Pomona I think we gained the momentum we needed,” he said. “This is a proven team, a fast race car and we just needed something to go our way.”

“In round one racing Ron Capps (who has been my drag racing hero for 20 years) was amazing,” he confided. “Lining up beside him for competition was the coolest thing ever — but then turning on the win light was just the cherry on top. Then when we beat Cruz to get to the semis — we could really feel the team getting into it.

“I’ve had faith this team could be a contender, but going to the semis in my first raceday start is more than I could have imagined. We are hungry for more and I am excited to see where this ride takes us.”

Spencer’s next assignment in the car comes in two weeks when he will entertain his first ever “four wide” drag racing experience during the NHRA Four Wide Nationals at Las Vegas — April 11-13.

Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Phil Hutchison