| DALLAS (October 12, 2025) — Canadian Spencer Hyde continued to turn heads during his rookie season, this week making the most of the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals and Stampede of Speed, the fourth race of the Countdown. The driver of the Head Inc. Nitro Funny Car continued to make waves in his rookie season, knocking out former Texas Fall Nationals winner Bob Tasca III in the first round and advancing to the quarterfinals. “I came into this race really wanting to make a statement,” said Hyde. “Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving, so my entire family was able to be in town for the weekend. And then of course, my fiancé, Courtney, calls Texas home. It would have been the perfect race to secure my first Nitro Funny Car win, but I am optimistic about what these last two Countdown races will bring.” After four qualifying runs made in front of huge crowds on Friday and Saturday, Hyde entered race day in the No. 9 qualifying position. This position was based on the strength of a 3.945 second, 299.28 mph pass he made on Friday night while competing for the Battle for the Saddle. Spencer Hyde raced to the quarterfinals today at the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, photo credit Innovation Creative Experts“The Battle for the Saddle is super cool,” said Hyde. “The Texas Motorplex is an innovator, encouraging other tracks to give us racers opportunities to win big money during Friday qualifying. We gave it our best effort, and I’m hopeful we’ll get to try again for this honor next year.” On Sunday during the first round of eliminations, Hyde was up against the 2012 winner of the Texas Fall Nationals, Bob Tasca III. Tasca was first off the line, but Hyde was able to overtake him, punching his ticket into the next round. “That first round win against Tasca was huge,” said Hyde. “There are no easy wins out here. Everyone who qualifies for the show has the capability to win. I continue to get more and more comfortable in this car, and it’s showing with my reaction times and how I’m able to manhandle the wheel.” Next up in the quarterfinals, Hyde faced the points leader and reigning world champion Austin Prock. While Hyde had the quicker reaction time with one of his best launches of the season, Prock was able to get around him after the 60-foot mark. Prock then went on to win the race, taking home his first cowboy hat. “I really wanted to be the one wearing a cowboy hat at the end of the day,” said Hyde. “Cowboy hats are already part of my wardrobe, and I even told Courtney I wouldn’t bring one with me because I thought I could win a navy-colored hat here. But I know our first Wally is just around the corner.” Hyde has two races left this season to improve his points position in the Countdown to the Championship. He leaves Dallas No. 9 in the standings, hungry to move up in Las Vegas and Pomona, California. He and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection on October 30-November 2 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, October 31 and two more qualifying sessions on Saturday, November 1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Nevada Nationals visit nhra.com Qualifying Results Q1: No run Q2: 3.945 sec, 299.28 mph; Qual. 9 Q3: 4.098 sec, 288.07 mph; Qual. 9 Q4: 4.059 sec, 299.32 mph; Qual. 9 Bonus Points: 0 Race Results First Round Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Inc. Funny Car, (.092), 4.291 sec, 244.21 mph def. Bob Tasca III, Hope, R.I., Ford Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang, (.088), 4.466 sec, 205.33 mph Second Round Austin Prock, Pittsboro, Ind., Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS, (.059), 3.939 sec, 329.48 mph def. Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Inc. Funny Car, (.046), 5.241 sec, 150.66 mph Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Funny Car 1. Austin Prock 2485 2. Matt Hagan 2373 3. Jack Beckman 2354 4. Ron Capps 2336 5. Daniel Wilkerson 2296 6. Paul Lee 2257 7. Cruz Pedregon 2252 8. Chad Green 2236 9. Spencer Hyde 2217 10. Alexis DeJoria 2195 |
