HYDE ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS AT INAUGURAL NHRA POTOMAC NATIONALS
By: Head Racing
MECHANICSVILLE, MD. (May 31, 2026) — Reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde continued his strong sophomore campaign in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series this weekend, advancing to the Funny Car quarterfinals at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway.
Driving the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car for veteran crew chief Jim Head, Hyde qualified third in a highly competitive 16-car field at the seventh event of the 2026 season. The Canadian standout secured his position with a strong 3.953-second pass at 323.58 mph during Friday evening’s second qualifying session, the second-quickest run of the session. The effort also earned Hyde two valuable NHRA bonus points.
photo credit Innovative Creation Experts
“We made some progress this weekend for sure,” said Hyde. “This was a new track for everyone, so we were all figuring out the lanes. We got good data during qualifying and felt good going into race day.”
The inaugural event proved to be a hit with race fans, including a sold-out crowd on Saturday, as competitors adapted to racing at the new national event facility.
On race day, Hyde squared off against fellow first-time Funny Car winner-hopeful Daniel Wilkerson in the opening round. Hyde delivered a solid performance behind the wheel, posting a 4.171-second pass at 277.89 mph to advance to the quarterfinals.
“In the first round with Daniel Wilkerson we made a good run,” said Hyde. “Getting first round wins are always positive for every team. We were in the left lane and had the best data and results for that lane.”
The quarterfinal matchup pitted Hyde against two-time and reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock. The pair left the starting line with nearly identical reaction times and raced side-by-side through the early part of the run before Hyde’s machine lost traction down track. Despite a quick pedal attempt, Prock pulled away to secure the victory and eventually went on to win the race.
“In the second round we got moved over to the right lane against Austin and we just smoked the tires down track,” said Hyde. “We left together off the starting line and we were side by side for a while. I tried to pedal it but I could see him out in front and I knew I couldn’t catch him.”
Prock’s event win continued an interesting trend for Hyde in 2026, as every driver who has eliminated him this season has gone on to either win the event or finish runner-up.
Beyond the on-track action, Hyde was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by fans throughout the weekend at Maryland International Raceway.
“One thing I loved about this race weekend was how great the fans turned out every day,” said Hyde. “There were also a ton of young fans and young families here. I think this will be a really successful and popular race for us for years to come. I think Royce Miller, the track owner, has done a great job with this event.”
With the first of three consecutive race weekends now complete, Hyde and the Jim Head-led team will look to build momentum as the NHRA tour heads to New England Dragway for next weekend’s New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire.
The event carries special significance for Hyde, who reached the first Funny Car final round of his career there one year ago. As the team continues to find its rhythm during the busy stretch of the season, Hyde hopes to take the next step and race for his first Funny Car victory. Hyde currently receives support from Hyde Construction, OUTLAW Light Beer and the Caine Group.
Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition next week at the NHRA New England Nationals presented by bproauto on June 5-7 at New England Dragway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, June 5 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, June 6. For tickets or more information on the New England Nationals visit nhra.com.
Qualifying Results – Funny Car
Q1: 4.083 sec, 303.78 mph; Qual. 7
Q2: 3.953 sec, 323.58 mph; Qual. 2
Q3: 8.123 sec, 69.99 mph; Qual. 3
Q4: 4.036 sec, 318.47 mph; Qual. 3
Bonus Points: +2 (second quickest of Q2)
Race Results
First Round
Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.102), 4.171 sec, 277.89 mph def. Daniel Wilkerson, Springfield, Ill., Scag Power Equipment Ford Shelby Mustang, (.043), 4.303 sec, 216.20 mph
Second Round
Austin Prock, Pittsboro, Ind., Ford Mustang Dark Horse, (.065), 3.999 sec, 321.88 mph def. Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.069), 4.112 sec, 274.44 mph
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Funny Car
- Ron Capps, 540
- J.R. Todd, 524
- Chad Green, 500
- Jordan Vandergriff, 495
- Matt Hagan, 493
- Alexis DeJoria, 427
- Jack Beckman, 412
- Spencer Hyde, 370
- Austin Prock, 323
- Daniel Wilkerson, 264
