In the third race of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown, Spencer Hyde, driver for Head Racing and the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, continued his fight to move up in the point standings.

Hyde entered race day of the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in the No. 8 qualifying position, up against driver Jack Beckman.

 “We had to really dig deep this weekend,” said Hyde. “It’s our playoffs and everyone is out here battling. This team worked really hard all through qualifying and we felt good going into the first round. We made runs in cool weather on Friday night and in the heat yesterday.” 

Hyde’s best pass of the weekend came on Friday night, when he was competing for the “Top Hitter” bat. His 3.903 second, 325.61 mph run was enough to slot him into the No. 8 qualifying position on Sunday. He was up against No. 9 qualifier Jack Beckman. This was their third time this year meeting in eliminations, with Hyde coming out ahead in the previous two.

“We knew the track would be a bit tricky, but we felt like we had a pretty good chance against Jack,” said Hyde. “I like that I’m finally getting to a point where I’m racing guys more than once, because I can get into a good groove for what it’s like to line up against them.” 

In the first round, Hyde was off the starting line first, but Beckman was able to get past him by the time they both reached the finish line. Beckman then went on to race to the final round falling to eventual winner Matt Hagan. Hyde’s performance was enough to keep him competitively in the mix for the Championship at No. 8 in points.

There are three races left in the Countdown, with the next race being the legendary Texas NHRA Fall Nationals as part of the Stampede of Speed. 

“I am coming to the end of my rookie season, and I feel very comfortable in this Head Inc. and Hyde Construction Funny Car,” said Hyde. “I had a decent light in that round and I was first off the line by a little. I know I need to get a little better and be consistent. We have three more races to get our first win. I’m looking forward to Dallas because my entire family will be there, and it’s the home race for my fiancé, Courtney. I know this team has all the pieces and we just need to put them all together on race day.” 

Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the Stampede of Speed and Texas NHRA Fall Nationals on October 8-12 at Texas Motorplex.

Posted by Elon Werner

Photo courtesy of NHRA