When you are a genuine fan of the sport of drag racing, you can find the beauty even when the competition doesn’t fully go your way. Spencer Hyde, the Funny Car driver for Head Racing is doing just that. Despite a tough first round loss at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK, he’s optimistic because that pass was the fastest of his career, and it was a great run for the fans. The strong Rookie of the Year competitor has continued to improve race over race this season.
“That was just a good drag race that we came up on the wrong side of,” said Hyde. “The Head Inc Funny Car did exactly what Jim [Head] wanted it to do. I was pretty good on the tree. They just made a better run, and that happens sometimes. It’s what makes this sport so great.”
Hyde entered race day in the No. 9 spot, thanks to a 3.945 second, 302.48 mph run he made during the third round of qualifying. Another notable event during qualifying was his 0.64 second reaction time during Q1, the quickest of his Funny Car career. In Pro Mod, he was known for his quick reaction times, so improving on the tree in the Head Inc. Funny Car has been a top priority for him.
“I am getting more comfortable in the car,” said Hyde. “What hurt us was losing the fourth qualifying run when the car shut off. If we had made that run, we probably would have run a good mid-3.80 second pass and we would have qualified higher in the field. We would’ve gotten a different opponent, and we could have gotten the round win.”
On Sunday, Hyde faced No. 8 qualifier and recent Gatornationals winner Chad Green, who set the quickest elapsed time for Funny Car on race day. Hyde had a faster car, and his 331.61 mph pass is another career best. Every race, he continues to raise the bar for himself.
“It took the quickest run of race day to beat us, so no one is hanging their heads,” said Hyde. “We are making quick runs and getting better. I am glad we are getting into the busy part of the season where we will be on the track a lot. Nothing beats practice and repetition. I’m thankful to be backed by a team that puts me in a position where I can keep improving.”
Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition at the NHRA New England Nationals on May 30-June 1 at New England Dragway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 30 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 31. For tickets or more information on the NHRA New England Nationals visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on May 19, 2025. 
