Top Fuel driver Jasmine Salinas will return to NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competition at the upcoming Cornwall Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Aug. 27–Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The Labor Day weekend event marks her first start since April.
Salinas climbed into the Top Five in the standings early this season before Scrappers Racing paused its Top Fuel program due to financial constraints following a final-round appearance at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. After a four-month hiatus, she will resume her sophomore season at the sport’s marquee event, often referred to as “The Big Go.”
“I’ve missed driving so much,” Salinas said. “It’s been a season of education and growth for me. I’ve been learning every aspect of the sport away from the cockpit.”
Salinas, who relocated from California to Indiana to pursue her professional driving career, called the Indianapolis return meaningful, noting the city has become her adopted hometown. When the team paused operations in April, she focused on helping crew members find positions elsewhere in the sport and is now reuniting with a new lineup.
Her return will be led by veteran crew chief Joe Barlam, who brings experience from Capco, John Force Racing, and Don Schumacher Racing. Adem Cave, a longtime Scrappers Racing member, will serve as assistant crew chief.
Earlier this season, Scrappers Racing was one of only three teams without a first-round loss before stepping away from competition. Salinas hopes to finish the year strong and build toward 2026.
“Getting to race in my new hometown at the biggest drag race of the season is something we’ve been trying to accomplish all year,” she said. “We’ve put some pretty incredible sponsor packages together for the last six races of the season because I know that experience will set us up for success in the 2026 season.”
Though her chances of qualifying for the Countdown to the Championship are slim due to missed races, Salinas is aiming to gain valuable seat time in the season’s final stretch. “Surviving in this sport requires a great deal of strength,” she said. “And that strength keeps you going when things get tough.”
