Spencer Hyde to drive Funny Car for Jim Head Racing in 2025 By Elon Werner

Hyde will make the requisite cross over passes to convert his Top Fuel license to Funny Car during the offseason . Last season , Jim Head tuned his Funny Car to a win at Brainerd as well as seven additional semifinal finishes and seven top four qualifier spots .

“ When I got the call from Jim Head , honestly , it was humbling to even be considered for this opportunity ,” said Hyde . “ I spent some time with Jim recently and we have had some great conversations . I am looking forward to this challenge . Driving a Pro Mod car is a handful because they are so unpredictable , and getting to make nearly 20 passes in Paton ’ s Top Fuel dragster has given me the acceleration experience . I know Funny Cars are a whole different deal , but I can ’ t wait to give it my best .”

Hyde started racing in the Jr . Dragster ranks in 2006 . He graduated to racing Top Dragster , Top Sportsman , Outlaw 10.5 , and a variety of sportsman and bracket classes on the regional and national level . He was recognized in 2021 by

Drag IllustrateD as a standout member of their 30 Under 30 class . He has most recently raced Pro Modified with PDRA in the Pro Boost class and he won the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in March 2023 . Hyde earned his Top Fuel license in February 2023 , and he competed in Top Fuel at two NHRA national events , the

2023 In-N-Out NHRA Finals and 2024 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals .

Hyde was recommended for the open seat by Jim Head ’ s son , Chad Head , who reached out to the aspiring nitro driver about the Funny Car opportunity . Head inquired about Hyde ’ s interest level as well as the possible opportunity to race a full NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season while still being involved in the family ’ s construction business , Hyde Construction .

Balancing Hyde ’ s extension involvement in the day-to-day rapidly expanding and well-respected business was a topic that Hyde and Head , also an expert in the construction and engineering world , talked about extensively for this relationship was finalized . Hyde examined his previous Pro Mod schedule and the transition to a Funny Car schedule was not out of reach . His conversations

with Jim Head about getting behind the wheel accelerated after that realization .

“ Chad was a big supporter for Spencer , and he made a good case for him ,” said Jim Head , Hall of Fame driver , tuner , and team owner . “ He has come up through the racing ranks and I like that he is a levelheaded guy who has a passion for drag racing . The fact that he has made passes in a Top Fuel dragster and has had success in Pro Mod was a plus too . We have had a lot of success the past two seasons with Blake ( Alexander ) driving for us and I don ’ t see any reason we can ’ t keep turning on win lights with Spencer .”

Plans are still coming together for possible testing and cross-over licensing . Hyde will be in competition at the season opening NHRA Gatornationals , March 6-9 , 2025 , at historic Gainesville Raceway . DI

PHOTOGRAPH BY LUKE NIEUWHOF