By: NHRA
SEATTLE (July 15, 2024) – Shawn Reed’s first time at a dragstrip came at Pacific Raceways, when he experienced the magic of drag racing growing up. Now behind the wheel of an 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster, Reed will get to be part of another Pacific Raceways first this weekend in Seattle at the 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals.
The annual stop at the scenic track in the Pacific Northwest will feature qualifying under the lights for the first time at Pacific Raceways, a must-see moment for what’s expected to be another memorable NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series weekend in Seattle.
Of course, they are all memorable there for Reed, who grew up in nearby Puyallup just miles from the historic facility. This year marks the first time since 2019 he will compete at his hometown track and he wouldn’t mind a repeat of that result in his 11,000-horsepower Reed Truck & Excavating dragster.
Reed was a semifinalist in 2019 and this season has marked a return to full-time competition in the loaded Top Fuel category. The veteran is currently 13th in points with a pair of round wins, but he’s thrilled with the progress the team has made and he can’t wait to race under the lights in Seattle – in front of plenty of family and friends – for the first time on Friday to kick off the race weekend.
“This place is the first race I ever went to,” Reed said. “It’s hard to control the emotion of getting to race here. I love racing at this track and it’s crazy how excited I always get to race in Seattle. It’s exciting thinking of all the friends and family, and employees and customers that are going to be here. It’s a lot of work, but I’m really excited to race here and that night session is going to be great. I’m a big fan of that and I think all the fans are going to love it.”
Last season, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Seattle and this year’s race will be shown on FS1 and the FOX, including eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 21. It is the 11th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA season, kicking off the second half of the season, and the weekend in Seattle will also feature all four pro classes for the first time in event history, as well as the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race on Saturday.
Reed won’t compete in the bonus race on the Top Fuel end, but he is aiming for a big result as the team, led by crew chief Rob Wendland, continues to chip away. He qualified fourth in Richmond and fifth in Chicago and has just missed out on a handful of round wins this year, advancing to the second round in Phoenix and Chicago.
A technical and advancement alliance with Antron Brown’s AB Motorsports has been beneficial and Reed hopes big things are in store for the rest of the season, even while taking on the likes of points leader Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Tony Schumacher, defending event winner Steve Torrence and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.
“The things we’ve put together and how we’ve raced, I’m pleased,” Reed said. “We tested recently in Indy and figured some things out, so I think these last 10 races we should be able to turn some heads and win a few more rounds. We’ve been really close, but it’s a marathon. I like where we are and what’s happening with this team, and I’m having a blast. I love to compete and going against the best racers in the world. We’ve made a lot of good improvements and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Wilkerson stepped out of his Funny Car and handed driving responsibilities to his son Daniel, who has a runner-up finish in 2024. If he wants to defend the Wilkerson win in Seattle, he’ll have to get by points leader Austin Prock, who also joined Funny Car this season, J.R. Todd, reigning champ Matt Hagan, Ron Capps and Bob Tasca III.
Herrera has dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle division and won last year’s NHRA Northwest Nationals en route to sweeping the Western Swing and winning the world title. He is undefeated in 2024, while other riders in the class to watch are six-time champion Matt Smith, Richard Gadson, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.
The popular Pro Stock class will make its return to the Pacific Northwest this year and fans will want to keep an eye on rivals Greg Anderson and Erica Enders. Currently leading the points is standout and area native Dallas Glenn, who has a pair of wins on the season.
The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top drivers in the sport, as well as the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout and Drag & Drive Shootout, which is a must-see for any car enthusiast.
The weekend kicks off with a fan fest at Auburn Outlets Collection on Thursday, June 18 at 5 p.m. PT, where fans can meet their drag racing heroes. On Friday between qualifying sessions, fans can take part in a special SealMaster Track Walk and an autograph power hour in the pro pits, while the nitro at night qualifying session will give fans an opportunity to win a unique wristwatch from Ben Bridge Jewelers TAG Heuer.
Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Pacific Raceways can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.
As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Seattle. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 p.m. and 8:15 PT on Friday, July 19 and two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 20 at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, July 21. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the NHRA Northwest Nationals, fans can visit www.nhra.com or call 800-884-6472. For more information about NHRA, visit www.nhra.com.
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