NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Funny Car driver Justin Schriefer is ready to begin his 2016 season. The driver/owner of the Paul Smith-tuned West Side Tractor/Hogswipe Dodge Charger is geared up for a three-race campaign at the upcoming K&N Filters Route 66 NHRA Nationals, the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, and the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.

“We’re excited to get back out at Chicago,” said Schriefer. “We have Paul Smith calling the shots. We’re set up the same as last year with some new blowers and new clutch parts. The same crewmembers from last year are all coming back. We’re pumped up about trying to go fast in Joliet.”

Schriefer earned his NHRA Funny Car license one decade ago behind the wheel of Dale Creasy Sr.’s race car. He drove for Creasy through 2012 and ran a couple of events for Paul Richards Racing in 2013 and 2014 while he was piecing together his own operation.

“Last year was a learning curve,” said the Grant Park, Ill., resident. “We came out to Joliet with limited parts. We built up our supply for this season. We bought parts from Steve Torrence and Don Schumacher Racing. The bigger teams have been very helpful.”

Major sponsorship is provided by West Side Tractor, which sells John Deere equipment at locations throughout northern Illinois and Indiana; Hogswipe Waterless Detailer; and Renzo Excavating. Associate sponsors include Conrad Construction, Tool Masters, Acme Auto Parts, Local 150, Kankakee Tankwash, ARP, Trick Titanium, LAT Oil, Fel-Pro, Champion Spark Plugs, TX7, NitroSew, Coating Specialties, 1st Ayd Corp., Rad Rides by Troy, Clevite, Safety Clean, Pearl Dodge, and Boninfante Friction.

Schriefer races in memory of his daughter, Ericka, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a snowboarding accident in 2010 at age 24. He is engaged to be married to Rebecca Norman in October.

“I’m still living the dream that I’m going to bring a Wally home for my daughter Ericka,” said Schriefer. “I’m very excited about getting married to Rebecca in October. We have a very full and eventful year in 2016.”