Travis Shumake will make his first professional Nostalgia Funny Car appearance during the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The Phoenix native will compete March 20–22 in Dave Benjamin’s entry with backing from Fry’s Food Stores.
The appearance represents a return to the category tied closely to his family’s place in NHRA history. It comes as the sanctioning body prepares to recognize his late father, Tripp Shumake, during the 1,000th Funny Car race at the upcoming Winternationals in Pomona.
Tripp Shumake’s victory at the 1981 Southern Nationals marked the 100th Funny Car win in NHRA history. He achieved the milestone driving Johnny Loper’s Phoenix-based “Little Hoss” entry.
The younger Shumake remains licensed in multiple NHRA professional categories. Officials said the Nostalgia Funny Car outing reflects both competitive flexibility and a personal connection to the class.
Shumake said the opportunity provides a direct link to his earliest ambitions in drag racing. He described the timing as aligning with broader recognition of his father’s role in the sport.
“I actually started out trying to follow my dad’s tire tracks into a Funny Car when I began my racing career,” Shumake said. “The twists and turns of this off-season put me in a position where I can get back to my roots and celebrate my dad’s milestone in a very direct way. I am excited to get back into competition and back to the literal roots of the Funny Car class.”
Fry’s Food Stores continues its multi-season partnership with Shumake’s program. Company officials said the sponsorship reflects a focus on supporting local athletes and community engagement.
“Fry’s Food Stores is committed to uplifting our local communities and the athletes who inspire them,” said Christina Groth, Fry’s Food Stores vice president of merchandising. “Travis embodies determination and hometown pride, and we’re thrilled to support his first Funny Car appearance as he honors a remarkable family milestone in NHRA history.”
Shumake said the hometown connection strengthens the meaning of the appearance. He credited the sponsor’s continued support as instrumental in making the program possible.
“Fry’s has always believed in the hometown story,” Shumake said. “They understand how special Phoenix is to me and why honoring my dad here matters so much. They have been an amazing supporter of my drag racing career and the sport in general.”
Shumake’s Top Fuel dragster will also be displayed at Firebird Motorsports Park as part of a Kroger Health Team Tune Up activation. Organizers indicated the initiative is expected to continue beyond the Arizona Nationals weekend.
The Legends Nitro Series is scheduled to begin qualifying Friday at 2:30 p.m. Event coverage will be carried on FS1 throughout the race weekend.
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