Scrappers Racing, featuring Top Fuel rookie Jasmine Salinas and Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Jianna Evaristo, is adding another Top Fuel driver, Travis Shumake, to its roster this weekend for the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Scrappers Sisters are excited to compete alongside Travis as they prepare for the penultimate event of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The dynamic duo took a few moments to reflect on their whirlwind year.
Jasmine is really coming into her own and owning every part of her journey. The talented newcomer was thrust into the driver’s seat when a medical issue caused her father (Scrappers Racing team owner Mike Salinas) to step back and she had to step in (and up) for the Top Fuel team. While she’s made some big strides in her rookie season, Jasmine acknowledges that her performance hasn’t been as remarkable as some of the others who are in contention for 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year, specifically that of Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Richard Gadson, who has had an extraordinary season thus far.
“Richard has outperformed everyone else in contention in every on-track measurement that matters,” remarked Jasmine. “He is an outstanding rider and I admire him for all that he’s accomplished in his first professional season. Not only is he super talented but he’s also a really nice, genuine guy who is out here to have fun. This isn’t easy, for anyone. If I were a part of the voting media, that’s who I would choose.”
Speaking of Top Fuel newcomers, Travis Shumake will join Scrappers Racing this weekend behind the wheel of his Gillette Labs Top Fuel dragster. This marks his fourth start of the season and he is not in contention for NHRA Rookie of the Year. His appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen will air on Bravo TV this Sunday, November 3.
Jianna has been working hard all season to turn information into instinct as she learns to master her Valley Services Scrappers Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle under the tutelage of Matt Smith Racing. The talented young rider is experiencing the best year of her career thus far and she’s determined to get as many laps under her belt as possible as the season comes to a close.
“I love competing in Las Vegas,” said Jianna. “It’s a fantastic facility and I think we are peaking at the right time. The learning never stops and I love the challenge, but I’m ready to land this Buell in the winners circle. I need to remain focused on each round and enjoy every moment.”
The Ford Performance NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway runs from October 31 to November 3. Qualifying for the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins on Friday, November 1 with sessions at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. followed by two more qualifying opportunities on Saturday, November 2 at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Eliminations will kick off on Sunday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m.
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