Phoenix native and NHRA Top Fuel driver Travis Shumake will launch his 2025 season at Firebird Motorsports Park during the NHRA Arizona Nationals, March 21-23. Shumake is looking to impress his hometown crowd after achieving multiple low 3.70-second passes at over 324 mph last year.
Fry’s Food Stores will be the primary sponsor for Shumake’s 12,000-horsepower dragster, marking the continuation of their partnership from last year. Shumake made his Top Fuel debut in the Fry’s Dragster at this same event, competing against four-time world champion Steve Torrance.
“We are thrilled to join Travis for his 2025 campaign to return home for the Arizona Nationals; saying yes was an easy decision,” said Monica Garnes, president of Fry’s Food Stores. She highlighted Arizona’s passionate motorsports fans who appreciate seeing the Fry’s logo in racing.
“Beyond the track, Travis is an incredible ambassador for our brand,” Garnes said. “What he has accomplished in his rookie season, both on and off the track, inspires us all to live our dreams.”
Shumake described his first season as a significant learning experience. “I learned a lot last season, that’s for sure. I’ve owned this car for over two years, but I’m still in my Top Fuel infancy,” he said.
Confidence is palpable for Shumake as he enters Phoenix, bolstered by a strong finish to the 2024 season. “Five out of our last six passes, we’ve run under a 3.73,” he noted, praising his team’s performance and reliability.
Shumake emphasized the importance of partnerships, acknowledging Fry’s pivotal role in the offseason. “It was a tough offseason on the sponsorship front, but Fry’s answered the call. They will both play a role in my summer races but just couldn’t resist the chance to be on the Arizona bomb-pop!” he joked.
Yates Buick GMC will again loan vehicles for the team, which includes Scrapper’s teammate Jasmine Salinas. The Arizona Lottery is also returning as a community partner, with several other sponsors renewing their support for Shumake’s season.
As part of his engagement efforts, Shumake has scheduled multiple fan events during the Arizona Nationals weekend. Travis will throw the first pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training game on March 19.
Additionally, he will sign autographs at Fry’s Marketplace on March 19 and host a pre-race press conference on March 20 at Wild Horse Pass Resort.
