| INDIANAPOLIS (September 1, 2025) — As the only full-time Canadian driver in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Spencer Hyde feels a sense of pride in getting to represent his country on drag racing’s biggest stage. The rookie for Head Racing and Hyde Construction leaves the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park ninth in the Funny Car points standings, earning him a spot in his first ever Countdown. “I am ready for the Countdown. I have several goals I want to achieve in my rookie season,” said Hyde. “We are a team capable of winning races and getting wins in the Countdown would be a big deal. I have to thank Jim Head for this opportunity and everyone at Hyde Construction along with all our other sponsors.” The race known as The Big Go is a marathon, not a sprint with five qualifying sessions made over three days leading up to eliminations on Labor Day. Hyde’s best run during qualifying was on Saturday morning, a 3.976 second, 326.71 mph pass that landed him in the No. 14 qualifying position in an incredibly competitive 19-car field. Spencer Hyde takes off on Friday Night at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, photo credit Innovation Creative Experts“Indy brings out the best teams and everyone gives 100%,” said Hyde. “I know we have been working really hard all week to be ready for today and we made a great run.” In the first round of eliminations, Hyde was up against No. 3 qualifier Ron Capps, in their fourth matchup of the year. Despite making his best pass of the weekend, a 3.869 second, 325.37 mph run, Capps got past him on a holeshot. They now hold an even 2-2 record against each other. “This is the U.S. Nationals, and you are going to get everyone’s best shot,” said Hyde. “I knew I was racing a tough driver and team over there. Jim and the guys gave me a great race car and we lost another close one. I am working really hard to get better and I feel really comfortable. This was just a close race that didn’t go our way.” After this race the points will be reset for the Countdown, so in the ninth spot, Hyde will be just 90 points behind the leader and will be in contention for his first Funny Car championship. “I’m so thankful to Head Racing for putting me in a position where I can be competing for a championship in my rookie year,” said Hyde. “I can’t wait to get to Reading to begin closing the gap on the guys and gals in front of me. I’ll keep doing the work to get us up there in the points.” Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the 40th NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish on September 11-14 at Maple Grove Raceway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, September 12 and two more qualifying sessions on Saturday. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Reading Nationals visit nhra.com. Qualifying Results Q1: 4.164 sec, 230.53 mph; Qual. 13 Q2: 3.976 sec, 326.71 mph; Qual. 14 Q3: 6.959 sec, 88.94 mph; Qual. 14 Q4: 5.351 sec, 135.28 mph; Qual. 14 Q5: 5.896 sec, 117.25 mph; Qual. 14 Bonus Points: 0 Race Results First Round Ron Capps, Carlsbad, Calif., NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, (.081), 3.876 sec, 333.16 mph def. Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Inc. Funny Car, (.090), 3.869 sec, 325.37 mph Mission Foods Drag Racing Series – Funny Car Top Ten 1. Austin Prock 1323 2. Jack Beckman 1050 3. Matt Hagan 956 4. Ron Capps 931 5. Paul Lee 849 6. J.R. Todd 770 7. Dan Wilkerson 720 8. Alexis DeJoria 689 9. Spencer Hyde 668 10. Bob Tasca III 648 |
