Spencer Hyde, the rookie Funny Car driver for Head Racing, continued to build his resume for the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year this weekend at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Over the course of five runs, Hyde set new personal bests in elapsed time, speed and reaction time, while also finishing 2nd in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
“This was another positive weekend,” said Hyde. “We got the runner-up in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and our Funny Car is running really well. I am getting more comfortable with every run. This Head Inc, Hyde Construction, Red Line Oil and Dordan Mechanical Funny Car was solid throughout the weekend.”
Right out of the trailer, Hyde made a 3.863 second, 322.27 mph pass, momentarily giving him the No. 1 qualifying position, and setting a career best speed and elapsed time record. In the second round of qualifying, he then made a 3.863 second, 329.83 mph pass, tying that new personal best ET and setting a new personal record for speed. His next two qualifying runs were not quite as quick, but they were equally consistent. Hyde entered race day on Sunday from the No. 4 qualifying spot, with one of the most consistent cars on the property.
“Having a consistent car gives me a lot of confidence as a new driver,” said Hyde. “Knowing I don’t have to worry about the car at all and can just focus on what I need to do as a driver is huge. I am incredibly thankful for Jim and the guys for providing me everything I need to be successful.”
After the fourth and final qualifying run on Saturday, Paul Lee’s parachutes damaged the body of the Head Racing nitro Funny Car, forcing them to use the backup body on race day. Despite this change, Hyde did not let that rattle him on Sunday. Shooting off the starting line, Hyde set a new personal best reaction time of .073 seconds. Though he was the quickest off the line, opponents Chad Green, Alexis DeJoria and Jack Beckman were able to power around him.
“I have to give it to this team. We worked late last night getting the new body ready for race day,” said Hyde. “That first round didn’t go our way, but no one is hanging their heads over here. We’ll be ready for Chicago for sure.”
Heading into the Route 66 Nationals three weeks from now, Hyde is confident that the car will continue to be consistent, and he will keep making strides as a rookie driver.
“All four of our qualifying runs were faster than any other race we have competed in so far,” said Hyde. “We are more than ready to show what this Head Racing Funny Car has to offer when we get to Chicago. I want to keep this momentum going.”
Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK on May 15-18 at Route 66 Raceway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 16 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 17. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Route 66 Nationals visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on April 28, 2025. 
