Spencer Hyde and the Head Racing team continued their impressive rookie campaign at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals, held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Facing a highly competitive 21-car Funny Car field, Hyde qualified in the No. 5 position, marking another milestone in his first full-time NHRA season and strengthening his position as the leading contender for NHRA Rookie of the Year.

 “I remain so proud of the guys over at Head Racing and am really grateful for the opportunity to drive for and learn from Jim [Head],” said Hyde. “This weekend proved how consistent we have become, and how comfortable I have gotten in this nitro Funny Car.”

Hyde’s weekend was highlighted by an outstanding 3.917 second, 324.75 mph run during Friday’s second qualifying session, the third-quickest pass of the round, earning him a valuable bonus point. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Hyde was one of the only drivers in the field to make four solid and competitive runs throughout qualifying. 

“To be one of the drivers people are looking at, to show that it’s possible to make several A-to-B runs on this track is a huge confidence boost,” said Hyde. “I’m continuing to prove myself within this class, which is loaded with talent. Competing against 20 other cars that are all capable of doing well adds additional pressure, but I am handling it well.” 

On race day, Hyde had a highly anticipated matchup in the opening round against Del Worsham, the 1991 NHRA Rookie of the Year and a two-time World Champion. Hyde got the jump at the starting line and never looked back, turning in a 3.931 second, 320.81 mph performance to advance to the quarterfinals.

“Del is someone I look up to a lot,” said Hyde. “He’s won a championship both in Top Fuel and Funny Car, two classes I have also competed in. Getting a round win against him was a big deal. I would love to follow in his footsteps by earning Rookie of the Year and winning championships.”

 In the second round, Hyde lined up against veteran Bob Tasca III, with their previous head-to-head record tied at one apiece. Tasca left first, but at the 330-foot mark Hyde was able to get around him before hazing the tires, allowing Tasca to get ahead for the win. Hyde’s solid showing in Las Vegas keeps him No. 9 in the Countdown to the Championship standings as the team heads into the season finale. 

“Las Vegas was another step forward for our program,” said Hyde. “We made four really good qualifying runs and carried that consistency into race day. To line up against these tough competitors within the class and have a solid chance every time shows how far this Head Racing Funny Car team has come. I’m proud of the effort everyone put in this weekend, and we’re excited to finish strong in Pomona.” 

Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on November 13-16, at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

Posted by Elon Werner
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