NORWALK, Ohio — If reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year Spencer Hyde had to pick a home track, the Canadian’s first choice would be Summit Motorsports Park, the site of this weekend’s fan-favorite 20th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.
If Hyde’s tuner and team owner, Jim Head, had to select a home track, the Columbus, Ohio native would also absolutely pick the standout facility in Norwalk, which makes this weekend’s NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event incredibly important for both on several levels.
Hyde grew up racing at the track, while Head will be the featured legend honored during the weekend as part of NHRA’s milestone campaign. Head also appears on the event’s commemorative ticket available for purchase, which adds to how special it would be for Hyde to pick up his first career NHRA win this weekend in the 12,000-horsepower Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car.
Now in his second season racing for Head, Hyde continues to enjoy racing for the legendary driver and tuner, especially during what will be a memorable weekend at Summit Motorsports Park.
“Seeing Jim recognized in this way means a lot. Jim is a unique guy and he’s been around nitro racing for a very long time,” Hyde said. “Other than Big Jim Dunn, I’d say he’s the longest-running nitro guy out there who’s still active.
“It’s really cool to have a race in Jim’s backyard, and it also adds a little bit of pressure for me as a driver, just because not only is it his hometown, but I consider this my home race as well. You want to do well in front of your friends and family, and all of the Canadians at this event.”
For Hyde, he views the weekend as a big opportunity as the season hits the halfway point. He started the year strong, hit a lull, but appeared to get back on track at the most recent race in Bristol, qualifying fourth and winning a round.
Now eighth in points, Hyde knows the chance is there to make a jump to close out the regular season.
That starts in Norwalk, where a victory would be massive for the second-year standout, especially taking on the likes of points leader Ron Capps, Bristol winner Matt Hagan, Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Jack Beckman, Chad Green, who has two wins this season, and back-to-back world champ Prock.
“Last year we qualified decent (in Norwalk), but we didn’t race very well, so we’re hoping to turn that around this year,” Hyde said. “It would be incredible to win my first Wally at this race. I don’t know if you could write it up any better. It would mean a lot to me to be in front of my family and friends and all my hometown fans when that moment happens.
“Coming out of a good weekend in Bristol, we went out second round, but we made it down the track five out of six times. To have that confidence in the race car coming into Norwalk event, I’ve got high expectations. Jim and the guys won this event in 2024 (with Blake Alexander), so we know we’ve got a capable car. It would just be extra special to get my first win in front of the hometown crowd.”
