Shawn Langdon isn’t one to shy away from adversity, but even for a seasoned competitor like him, the events in Las Vegas were gut-wrenching. Crossing the center line which resulted in a blown tire during a high-stakes run nearly ended in disaster, forcing his car into emergency repairs just days before the NHRA Finals. Disappointment was written all over his face as he stood on the starting line, visibly upset, knowing how close he had come to catastrophe.
“It was tough,” Langdon said, reflecting on the incident during the NHRA press conference. “You can’t help but think, ‘What if?’ That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you, the kind that can either break you or make you stronger.”
Langdon’s team hustled to rebuild his car, logging long hours and burning through resources to ensure he could compete in Pomona. The effort was nothing short of heroic, a testament to the camaraderie and resilience that defines drag racing.
“My guys did an incredible job,” he said. “Fifty-one hours to front-half and back-half the car—it was a mad scramble. But they got it done, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Despite the heartbreak in Vegas, Langdon remains laser-focused on the championship. Sitting just 45 points behind Justin Ashley in the standings, he knows the road to victory is steep. Yet, if there’s one thing Langdon thrives on, it’s pressure.
“Look, we’re backed into a corner,” Langdon said with his trademark intensity. “But that’s when you find out what you’re made of. We’ve got one option: win. That’s it. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Langdon’s ability to channel frustration into motivation has been a hallmark of his career. He doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll racing can take, instead using it as fuel for the battles ahead.
“You let yourself feel it for a bit,” he said, referencing the disappointment in Vegas. “But once you get to Pomona, that’s behind you. The only thing that matters is what’s in front of you.”
As Langdon prepares for the NHRA Finals, he’s drawing on every ounce of his experience. A former Top Fuel champion, he’s been in these high-pressure scenarios before. Still, this season feels different.
“We’ve been consistent, we’ve been in the hunt, but now it’s time to close the deal,” he said. “The stakes couldn’t be higher, and that’s exactly why we do this. It’s what you live for as a racer.”
For Langdon, the NHRA Finals represent more than just a chance at another championship. It’s an opportunity to rise from the ashes of a devastating setback, to prove once again why he belongs among the sport’s elite.
“I know what this team is capable of,” he said, his voice steady but resolute. “We’ve put in the work, and we’re ready for whatever comes our way.”
With his back against the wall and a fire in his belly, Shawn Langdon heads into Pomona ready to fight. The emotional weight of Vegas lingers, but it’s clear: Langdon isn’t done yet.
This story was originally published on November 13, 2024. 
