NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Two new drivers joined Jordan Vandergriff at Bob Vandergriff Racing Thursday. Shawn Reed, who spent the first part of his Top Fuel career racing with Todd Paton, and Top Alcohol Dragster veteran Josh Hart, will fill the void left by Blake Alexander. 

“On behalf of, myself, Ron Douglas, Joe Barlam and all of our crew personnel I can say we are excited to welcome Shawn and Josh to the team, they truly seem appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to race with BVR and have a chance to win races any time they show up at the race track which certainly means a lot to all of us moving forward,” said team owner Bob Vandergriff.

That creates a three-driver team at Bob Vandergriff Racing to pilot two cars. Vandergriff remains the sole pilot on his dragster, while Hart and Reed will split duties on the second dragster. Reed plans to compete in seven or eight events, while Hart plans to attend four races during the 2019 season. 

“I’ve always looked up to Bob and I’m flattered he is putting me in his car,” said Reed. “We’ve talked on the starting line for a couple years and have gotten to know each other. I’m excited about the prospect of our sponsors, D.A. Lubricants and Hughes Oilfield Transportation, working together too. I can’t wait to get to Phoenix testing to meet the BVR crew and get behind the wheel of a dragster that can go in the 3.70’s. I want to go rounds and win some races.”

Hart plans to run his full-time Top Alcohol Dragster schedule and still needs to get his Top Fuel Dragster license. That should happen, if everything goes according to plan, following the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Vandergriff will make his Top Fuel debut at the 50th anniversary of one of the most prestigious events on the circuit, assuming he gets his license before then. 

“I’ve always wanted to drive Top Fuel and the perfect opportunity came around with BVR,” said Hart. 
“Jordan and I have competed against each other the past year and I talked to him about licensing in Top Fuel and we came up with the plan. I’m proud that someone as credible as Bob has selected me to drive for him and most importantly, he understands the class needs new blood and is willing to teach.” 

Crew chiefs Joe Barlam and Ron Douglas will team up to get the BVR dragsters down the track. The teams will be at Nitro Testing at the end of the month in Phoenix. Expect more coverage on that at NHRA.com.