The NHRA teams are currently amid one of their season's busiest and most challenging stretches, the western swing. The Salinas family has opted for a different kind of adventure as they leave their race shops in the Midwest and head west for races in Colorado, Washington, and California. Top Fuel driver Mike Salinas, his daughter Jianna Evaristo, a Pro Stock Motorcycle rider, and other family members have set off on a motorcycle road trip, temporarily escaping the daily demands of their business operations.

"This ride was something that we really wanted to do as a way to not focus on the business for a few weeks, but instead focus on our time together," said Mike Salinas. "All we have is time, and we know our businesses are in good hands while we are enjoying time on the road."

The journey began early Monday morning, with the family departing from San Jose, California. Their ultimate destination is Bandimere Speedway in Colorado, the first stop of the western swing. Mike's wife, Monica Salinas, will join them for the ride from Denver to Seattle and then from Seattle to Sonoma, further enhancing the quality family time.

The first leg of their adventure led them to Las Vegas, where they planned their departure at 4:00 AM to avoid riding in the hottest part of the day. Utah was the next destination, and despite the scorching temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, they made several stops to stay hydrated and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery of Zion National Park and Moab.

"We definitely battled the heat in Utah," shared Jianna Evaristo. "It was hotter than I've experienced on a ride before. We've historically tried to schedule one big family ride each year, and this was a part of the country we hadn't been able to visit before. With the three races back-to-back, this was a great opportunity to see some beautiful parts of the country together."

As the group arrived in Colorado on Wednesday, their focus shifted to the weekend's events at Bandimere Speedway. This race will also mark the last time the series competes in the historical Mile-High Nationals. Mike Salinas will continue his pursuit of his second Wally of the 2023 season, while Jianna will compete in this weekend's Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Pro Stock Motorcycle, following her semifinal appearance in Norwalk, Ohio, three weeks ago.

"Bandimere Speedway is a really challenging racetrack for the crew chiefs and the tuners," explained Salinas. "All of the competitive teams bring equipment specially designed for Bandimere because of the elevation and the tuning we do for the weekend. We have different blowers and headers, just to name a few. But so much rests on making the right calls. As a driver, my goal is to get down the track clean without any mishaps."

While bidding farewell to the renowned Bandimere facility, Salinas acknowledged the importance of family and expressed gratitude for the Bandimere family's support over the years. "It's a shame that this is the last time we'll race here, but we're happy for them to enter the next chapter of their lives. We know they'll still come see us all at races when they can. All of us at Scrappers Racing would love to bring home a win at our last visit to this great facility."

After the Colorado event, the Salinas family will continue their motorcycle journey, with Monica joining them. They will head north to Pacific Raceways outside of Seattle, Washington. As Jasmine Salinas gears up for her Top Fuel competition debut in 2024, she competes in her Top Alcohol car at the regional event in Columbus, Ohio.

The Salinas family's unique adventure not only provides a break from the rigorous demands of the NHRA season but also strengthens the bond between family members. In their pursuit of victory on the track, they have found joy and quality time together on the open road.

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