Jordan Vandergriff will take over driving duties for the Reed Trucking & Excavating Top Fuel dragster at next weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., team owner and regular driver Shawn Reed announced Friday.
Reed, recovering from injuries sustained in a crash at the NHRA Northwest Nationals near Seattle, revealed the move during a Facebook Live session. Vandergriff will serve as Reed’s fill-in at Brainerd, while a separate driver will be announced later for the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
The decision is aimed at protecting Reed’s current No. 10 position in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel standings. Reed plans to return for the Countdown to the Championship opener in Reading, Pa.
Vandergriff, a member of the NHRA on FOX broadcast team and former full-time Top Fuel competitor, last raced in 2019, making 11 appearances and earning a runner-up finish at Dallas.
“First and foremost, I am thankful Shawn is okay after the incident in Seattle, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery,” Vandergriff said. “We were teammates during our BVR days and have remained great friends ever since. This is a quick, consistent, and fast race car that can run with anyone on any given day.”
The 29-year-old California native said his competitive drive never faded during his time away. “I have been out of the seat for over five years, and I have been hungry every single day since,” Vandergriff said. “Now it is my job to compete, and I am ready.”
Reed, sidelined with two fractured ribs and an amputated left index finger, said the support he has received since the accident has been overwhelming. “It was really cool to see how many people out there support our team,” Reed said. “People were just coming out of the woodwork, asking how they can help, offering to visit, sending their well wishes. Honestly, I didn’t even know that many people had my phone number.”
Reed expects watching from the starting line to feel unusual but expressed confidence in Vandergriff. “He’s hungry to be out here racing and trying to get his name out more, and I’m glad to be able to give him this opportunity,” Reed said.
Qualifying for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 15, at 4:30 p.m. CT at Brainerd International Raceway. Reed said an announcement regarding his Indianapolis replacement is still pending.
“We’ve got some things in the works,” he said. “The fans will be really pumped, and as much as I’d like to be in the driver’s seat myself, I’m really excited for these next two events.”
