The upcoming 66th NHRA Winternationals will serve as both a historic milestone and a personal tribute, as the series celebrates its 1000th Funny Car race during the 75th anniversary season. Among those recognized is the late Tripp Shumake, winner of the 100th Funny Car race, whose legacy will be honored on track by his son, Travis Shumake.
The milestone moment provides a backdrop that blends history with emotion, as the NHRA highlights past champions while current competitors carry that legacy forward. Travis Shumake will do so in a way that goes beyond competition, unveiling a tribute paint scheme inspired by his father’s 1981 NHRA Southern Nationals-winning livery.
“This is going to be an emotional weekend for me for sure,” said Shumake. “My dad was so well liked by everyone when he raced, and he is a part of history winning the 100th Funny Car race. To be able to honor him with the Little Hoss Funny Car will be amazing. We learned a lot in Phoenix, and I really want to put on a good show for the fans this weekend in Pomona.”
That tribute will come in the form of the iconic Little Hoss colors, a nod to original car owner Johnny Loper and one of the more recognizable schemes from the era. The effort ties past to present, reinforcing how the Funny Car category continues to evolve while maintaining strong ties to its roots.
Shumake’s return to the cockpit also reflects a growing presence in the Legacy Funny Car Series, where he will be making his second career start. Driving for veteran Dave Bejamin, the second-generation racer continues to build experience while honoring a name deeply embedded in Funny Car history.
The weekend also signals a broader step forward for Shumake’s program, highlighted by a season-long partnership with Le Tour wines and continued support from Total Seal. The addition introduces a non-alcoholic product into the motorsports space, offering a new activation angle within the NHRA environment.
Le Tour wines are produced using traditional methods with French-sourced grapes, followed by a dealcoholization process designed to maintain flavor and structure. That approach aligns with a growing trend of lifestyle brands seeking exposure within motorsports’ national footprint.
“Getting together with Le Tour wines for the rest of the season will be very exciting,” said Shumake. “I love wine and I love drag racing. Their dealcoholization process means I can enjoy both at the track. This is a great environment for them to activate and introduce Le Tour to a huge audience. We are planning on all sorts of fun things with other drivers and at races all over the country.”
Beyond the tribute and partnerships, the schedule presents a competitive test for Shumake as he looks to qualify for the eight-car field. The Legacy Funny Car Series will feature two qualifying sessions Friday, followed by a final opportunity Saturday before eliminations begin.
The structure places added emphasis on execution, especially for a driver balancing emotion with performance during a high-profile weekend. Advancing into eliminations would provide another layer to an already meaningful event.
As NHRA marks its 1000th Funny Car race, the spotlight will extend beyond statistics and trophies. For Travis Shumake, the weekend represents a continuation of family history, where honoring the past becomes part of chasing the future.
