HYDE ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS IN FIRST RACE SINCE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Spencer Hyde started his sophomore season with a strong performance at the NHRA Gatornationals,
photo credit Auto Imagery
By: Head Racing
GAINESVILLE, FLA. (March 9, 2026) — Reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde kicked off the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season with a strong showing at the historic AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, advancing to the quarterfinals at Gainesville Raceway.
Driving the Head Racing Funny Car for team owner and crew chief Jim Head, Hyde faced a stacked 19-car Funny Car field competing for just 16 spots in Sunday’s elimination rounds. After struggling to find the right combination through the first three qualifying sessions, the team delivered when it mattered most during the fourth and final round, securing Hyde a place in the field.
“This team knows how to perform under pressure, and that’s exactly what they did this weekend,” said Hyde. “It’s Florida, so it was a really hot weekend. It took some time for us to hit our stride, but Jim and the guys made it happen. I never have to doubt Jim Head.”
Hyde qualified No. 14 and lined up against No. 3 qualifier Paul Lee in the opening round of eliminations. Staging the Funny Car with a 1-0 advantage in prior matchups, Hyde added another win to that record with a strong performance off the starting line. Hyde left the line first and powered the Head Racing machine to the round win, advancing to the quarterfinals.
“That was a big round for our team,” said Hyde. “Jim Head and all the guys on this Head Racing Funny Car kept working all weekend. Jim made some great calls and the car went right down the track when we needed it.”
In the quarterfinals, Hyde faced No. 11 qualifier Alexis DeJoria. Hyde came into the race with a 2-0 advantage in previous matchups against DeJoria and delivered his best pass of the weekend, running 4.066 seconds at 314.39 mph. Despite the strong run, it wasn’t enough to advance to the semifinals.
“Honestly, that was the best run we made all weekend, so it’s something to build on,” said Hyde. “This team kept improving every time we went up there. Jim Head has forgotten more about Funny Cars than most people will ever know, and it’s an honor to drive for him. We’re making progress and that’s what matters this early in the season.”
The weekend marked Hyde’s first NHRA event since being named the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year, giving fans their first chance to celebrate the milestone with the Canadian driver. Hyde kicked off race week by participating in the Burnyzz FanFest, spending time signing autographs and interacting with fans. Head Racing also debuted a new orange, red and black livery, mixing it up from the all-black livery they ran for most of last season.
“It was really cool getting back out there with the fans,” said Hyde. “The support since winning Rookie of the Year has been amazing. The Burnyzz FanFest was packed and it reminded me how passionate NHRA fans are. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on the new paint job for the car. I am happy that this will be our look for most of the year.”
During the off-season, Hyde stayed sharp by returning to his Pro Mod roots and competing in the final two events of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series.
“Pro Mod racing keeps you on your toes, but it was great to be back out in Bradenton again,” said Hyde. “You can’t keep me out of a race car for too long and I think it helped me coming into Gainesville, getting back into the race weekend mindset.”
The 2026 season also includes the strengthening of his relationship with OUTLAW Beer, as they become an associate partner of Spencer Hyde Racing and Jim Head Racing, adding momentum for the team as they begin the 20-race campaign.
“We’re really excited to have OUTLAW Beer stepping up with us this season,” said Hyde. “Having partners who believe in what we’re building means a lot. I plan to have a long career in Funny Car, and they are definitely the kind of people I want along for the ride.”
The Caine Group has also come on as a sponsor for the team. Jim and Janet Russell were in attendance over the weekend to cheer on Hyde, along with his friends and family from Canada.
“Knowing that there’s people in the stands who want to see me succeed gives me such a confidence boost,” said Hyde. “The first race of the year can be nerve racking, getting back into the swing of things. But having your support system there makes all of the difference.”
While the team narrowly missed advancing deeper into eliminations, Hyde remains confident the progress made in Gainesville will pay dividends throughout the season. His 2025 accomplishments included a No. 1 qualifier, a Mission #TooFastTooTasty win and two final round appearances, but he’s hungry to get his first Wally in his sophomore season.
“This is race one of twenty, and I feel really good about where we’re headed,” said Hyde. “We made some improvements this weekend and if we keep building on that, I truly believe this team is going to go far in 2026.”
Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in two weeks at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs on March 20-22 at Firebird Motorsports Park. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, March 20 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, March 21. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Arizona Nationals visit nhra.com.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 6.122 sec, 108.77 mph; Qual. 12
Q2: 8.588 sec, 63.76 mph; Qual. 16
Q3: 12.189 sec, 64.38 mph; Qual. 18
Q4: 4.104 sec, 305.70 mph; Qual. 14
Bonus Points: 0
Race Results
First Round
Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Inc. Funny Car, (.094), 4.632 sec, 281.54 mph def. Paul Lee, Orange, Calif., McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Charger, (.107), 6.956 sec, 92.91 mph
Second Round
Alexis DeJoria, Loas Angeles, Calif., Bandero Café Funny Car, (.091), 4.040 sec, 324.59 mph def. Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Inc. Funny Car, (.097), 4.066 sec, 314.39 mph
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Funny Car
1. Chad Green 115
2. Alexis DeJoria 93
3. J.R. Todd 82
4. Jordan Vandergriff 71
5. Matt Hagan 59
6. Dan Wilkerson 56
7. Spencer Hyde 51
7. John Smith 51
9. Ron Capps 41
10. Paul Lee 37
