2023 WSOPM winner Spencer Hyde on his 2024 performance and handing over the title to new champion Derek Ward

By Nate Van Wagnen

On Sunday , March 5th , 2023 , Spencer Hyde ’ s racing career changed in a big way when he won the fourth running of the Drag IllustrateD World Series of Pro Mod , and the first running since changing formats and locations . In the year that followed , he was approached by new sponsors , his screw-blown “ Jack & The Green Stock ” ’ 69 Camaro was immortalized in the No Limit Drag Racing 2.0 video game , and he made his NHRA Top Fuel debut at the NHRA Finals .

Hyde made the most of his new position , and going into this year ’ s race , he was motivated to become the first-ever two-time winner . After qualifying , it looked like he had a shot , as he qualified sixth with a 3.627 E . T . – a whole 26 spots higher than when he won from the bump spot last year . Hyde and tuner Mark Savage kept it going with a 3.691-second first-round win over Scott Lang , but ran into eventual runner-up Jim Halsey in the second round . Hyde ’ s consistent 3.694 wasn ’ t enough to beat Halsey ’ s low-of-the-round 3.657 .

Hyde found himself back in the WSOPM winner ’ s circle late Sunday evening when he went up to congratulate Derek Ward , who joined Hyde in the exclusive group of WSOPM champions . He also had the honor of presenting the trophy to Ward , creating a new tradition reminiscent of The Masters Tournament green jacket ceremony in golf .

In the weeks following the WSOPM , Drag Illustrated caught up with Hyde to talk about life after becoming a WSOPM winner , his performance at this year ’ s race , and passing the title off to Ward .

Did you feel any additional pressure going into this year ’ s race as the defending champion ?

I think there was definitely some added pressure . Obviously , I couldn ’ t do any better than I

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