SEATTLE — Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed feels like he’s been on the cusp of a breakout performance all year.
This weekend would be the perfect time for it to come true, as Reed heads to his home track, Pacific Raceways, for the 36th annual Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals.
It’s the track where Reed grew up racing, watching his idols in the nitro ranks, and years later, Reed is now making 330-mph runs in his 12,000-horsepower Shawn Reed Racing dragster.
All that’s missing now is a victory in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Reed believes his team is fully capable of that this weekend in Seattle.
The team has qualified well for most of the year in the talented Top Fuel category, but putting together four strong rounds on race day is never easy. This weekend, though, would certainly be the ideal one for it all come together for Reed.
“All I ever wanted is a Wally, so to get that in Seattle would be the most amazing thing ever,” Reed said. “I don’t necessarily think the stakes are higher being I’m at my home track, but I do put the pressure on myself to perform and yes, I hope to be successful in front of my hometown, friends and family and coworkers.”
Last year, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) and Chase Van Sant (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up victories, while Justin Ashley, Prock, Aaron Stanfield and Gaige Herrera won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race.
Reed and the rest of the nitro classes will qualify under the lights on Friday, with the Deecell Power Systems “After Dark Low Qualifier” offering a special bonus for the quickest run in each class during the must-see night session.
That leads into three nitro qualifying sessions on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday on a weekend where expected standout weather could lead to incredible performances in the Pacific Northwest.
Reed could certainly be one of those drivers to turn in something special, as he’s shown glimpses this year. The team has qualified fourth at three of the past six races, and Reed has dipped into the 3.60s on a pair of occasions this year.
That may be necessary this weekend, especially going against a lineup that includes points leader and racing legend Tony Stewart, as well as Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, who has won back-to-back races, Brittany Force, Doug Kalitta and Clay Millican, but Reed has confidence in his group.
If a few breaks go his way, Reed likes his chances and he knows his team will be ready to put on a show in Seattle.
“The car has been awesome,” Reed said. “You know all year long our qualifying position has been great. The car’s been running well. We just have had some bad luck on Sunday. We can’t try to change anything up. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and pretty soon I just believe that the luck will change and we can get that first win.”
