After two challenging outings to start the season, Spencer Hyde and the Head Racing team roared back at the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals by powering their way to a semifinal finish in Funny Car competition. Qualifying 14th in a stacked field at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, the Stratford, Ontario native racked up crucial round wins over two of the sport’s biggest names, marking a major confidence boost for the up-and-coming Canadian driver.
“It was evident we had a rough start—two DNQs in a row,” said Hyde. “Morale was down, but we knew we just needed some bounces to go our way, which they did today. Winning a couple of rounds against drag racing legends like Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon was a huge lift for all of us.”
Hyde was matched up with reigning champion Ron Capps in the opening round of eliminations, a dream scenario-turned-reality for the longtime fan of the NHRA icon.
“Ron Capps is one of my heroes,” Hyde said. “We both had a NAPA sponsorship for years, so I got to know him. Having my first round of competition against him was one of the coolest things ever—and then to come out on the winning side was wild.”
In round 2, Hyde overcame another champion, Cruz Pedregon, before his day ended in the semifinal against a surging Daniel Wilkerson. Still, the performance was enough to prove what Hyde and Head Racing are capable of moving forward.
“Going rounds on Sunday is what this Head Racing team is used to,” Hyde continued. “Once we got some momentum, we knew we’d be in the mix. I’m so excited for what is to come.”
Hyde also took time to thank his family, who were watching from home.
“Big thanks to my dad, mom, and sister. They’ve supported me all in, but they weren’t able to be here today, so they were watching along on NHRA.tv—screaming so loud all of Canada could hear them. This is such a dream come true, and we’re just getting started.”
The strong showing in Pomona puts Spencer Hyde on the radar as the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season gains steam. With the first semifinal of his Funny Car career now behind him, Hyde and the Head Racing team will look to carry the momentum into the next event and continue turning heads.
This story was originally published on March 31, 2025. 
