Tue, 18 Mar 2025, 18:55 PM Shumake Returns to the Valley in Iconic Fry's Food Stores Dragster with High Expectations

Courtesy of Jessica Hatcher, Imagination 9 Photo credit Sadie Glenn, SR Driven Media

Travis Shumake will start his 2025 racing season in front of his hometown crowd at the NHRA Arizona Nationals.

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Phoenix native and NHRA Top Fuel driver Travis Shumake is set to ignite his 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season with a return to his home track, Firebird Motorsports Park, for the NHRA Arizona Nationals, March 21-23. Coming off a series of low 3.70-second passes at 324+ mph, Shumake is eager to show his hometown crowd the progress he's made since his Top Fuel debut at this event last spring.

Shumake announced earlier today that Fry's Food Stores will return as the primary sponsor of his 12,000-horsepower dragster. Shumake launched his Top Fuel career in the Fry's Dragster at last year's Arizona Nationals, competing in front of a sellout crowd and facing four-time world champion Steve Torrance in the first round.

"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. "Arizona is home to passionate motorsports fans who take pride in seeing the iconic Fry's logo represented in the fastest racing on earth."

Arizona native Travis Shumake sports a special design on his supercharger to honor his home state.

"Beyond the track, Travis is an incredible ambassador for our brand-whether he's engaging with the community at events or bringing excitement to our stores, he genuinely connects with both our associates and customers. What he has accomplished in his rookie season, both on and off the track, inspires us all to live our dreams," Garnes added.

Shumake acknowledges that his first season was a learning experience, both as a driver and team owner.

"I learned a lot last season, that's for sure. On and off the track, I was constantly finding my footing. I've owned this car for over two years, but I'm still in my Top Fuel infancy. To put it into perspective-a full-time Top Fuel driver averages 120+ laps in a single season. I've made 16 in my life. Even at 6'4" and 205 pounds, I'm really still just a giant Top Fuel baby."

Despite his relative newcomer status, Shumake enters Phoenix with confidence, following a strong finish to the 2024 season that saw both he and fellow fan favorite Gary Pritchett consistently clocking low 3.70-second passes approaching 325 mph in his dragster.

"Five out of our last six passes, we've run under a 3.73. Troy Fasching, Adem Cave, and Rob Flynn have this thing on rails, and we aren't hurting parts-which is great for my wallet," Shumake said. He credits the Scrappers Racing team, who run his program as a team car with Jasmine and Mike Salinas, for the late season success.

Top Fuel pilot Travis Shumake will be sporting the Fry's Food Stores logo at the NHRA Arizona Nationals.

A Hard-Fought Offseason Brings Sponsorship Stability
"We can't get it done without our partners. I'm so proud to have Fry's Food Stores back this season. It was a tough offseason on the sponsorship front, but Fry's answered the call and really stepped up to make sure this race happened," Shumake explains. "The Napp Brothers and the scientist over at CAS both answered the call at the last minute to fill larger spots on the car. They will both play a role in my summer races but just couldn't resist the chance to be on the Arizona bomb-pop!" Shumake jokes of the striking resemblance between his dragster and the iconic popsicle.

Yates Buick GMC will again provide the team, including Scrapper's teammate Jasmine Salinas, with a fleet of loaner vehicles for the week. The Arizona Lottery also returned in 2025 as community partners. Red Line Oil, FCP Euro, and The Gottschalk Group have all renewed their associate partnerships for the 2025 season where Travis is hoping to compete in at least six to eight races. He is actively seeking sponsorship beyond Phoenix.

A rendering of Shumake's 2025 Top Fuel dragster. Image credit: Shumake Racing

Community Engagement and Fan Events
Known for his creative marketing partnerships, Shumake kicks off his Arizona Nationals weekend with multiple fan engagement events:

• Wednesday, March 19 (1:00 PM) - Travis will throw out the first pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training game.

• Wednesday, March 19 (4:00 - 6:00 PM) - Travis will be greeting fans and signing autographs at Fry's Marketplace (Chandler & Ocotillo location) alongside the Fry's Top Fuel Dragster. Fry's is hosting a special contest where kids can submit their own dragster designs for a chance to have their artwork featured on Shumake's race car and be recognized as a Junior Crew Chief for the weekend.

• Thursday, March 20 - (12:00 PM) - NHRA will host a pre-race press conference featuring Travis and the Fry's Dragster at Wild Horse Pass Resort.

NHRA Arizona Nationals Schedule
• Friday, March 21 - Qualifying at 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM
• Saturday, March 22 - Qualifying at 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM
• Sunday, March 23 - Final eliminations at 11:00 AM

For more information on Shumake Racing, visit www.shumakeracing.com or follow @TravisShumake on social media.