If there’s one lesson Jasmine Salinas’ father, Top Fuel racer Mike Salinas, taught her, it’s to stay the course and never give up. Today, she has proof her father’s counsel is spot on.

Salinas, who drives the Scrappers Racing/Pep Boys Top Alcohol Dragster, recently scored her first regional championship, winning the North Central title. 

Salinas drove headstrong into the crown with four event crowns and three No. 1 qualifiers. At 12 national events and six regional events, Salinas raced her way to eight final rounds.

“It’s definitely still sinking in,” said Salinas. “But I’m so incredibly proud of our team and all that we’ve accomplished so far.”

Salinas might have driven headstrong into the crown, but the final chapter was out of her hands. She missed the cut at the Las Vegas Western Regional, failing to qualifying, and could only watch as fellow Midwestern racer Matt Sackman held the keys to her crown. Salinas sealed the deal on previous momentum when he came up short in the end. 

“It was extremely stressful having to sit back in the grandstands and watch the race unfold,” said Salinas. “Knowing I wouldn’t even have a shot at competing in the race that day or fighting for the win. But that’s also why those first few regional races of the season are important. It gave us a little bit of a buffer for the worst-case scenario, which ultimately unfolded at the Vegas Regional. It’s definitely not the way I envisioned winning the championship, as I’m sure most racers dream of it happening while sitting in their race car. But a win is a win. And there are zero complaints about how we won our first Championship.

“It’s been exciting competing against Matt Sackman this year. I’ve watched him for a while and he’s an incredible driver. I’ve learned a lot from watching him and look forward to competing again with him next season.”

Salinas will wrap up her season this weekend at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. at Auto Club Raceway of Pomona.