NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Travis Shumake, who is already licensed in Super Comp, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Nostalgia Funny Car, took several steps in his drag racing journey last week by earning his NHRA Top Fuel license, taking delivery of his truck and hauler, and moving into a race shop space in Brownsburg, Ind.

“I was excited to be back in the drivers’ seat and keep the positive momentum going,” Shumake said. “Both the cockpit and Brownsburg are starting to feel like home, and the pieces are coming together as we prepare for a successful program in 2024.”

Shumake made three more runs down Indianapolis Raceway Park. The first an 800-foot pass at 3.77 seconds and 308 mph reset Shumake’s personal best elapsed time and was more than enough to qualify Shumake for a license in the quickest cars in NHRA Drag Racing.

“On the first pass of the morning, we saw just how quick this car is going to be. Shutting off early and still going 3.77 raised a few eyebrows for sure. Antron [Brown] stopped by and gave me some tips on reacting to what I am feeling in the middle of the track, sooner,” Shumake said. “We had even better incrementals on the third pass, but something felt off, so I clicked her off at 650 feet to show Antron I have a sliver of self-control.”

In addition to Brown, there to witness and sign the up-and-coming team owner’s license were Top Fuel pilot Jasmine Salinas, whose Scrappers Racing team has assisted Shumake in the licensing process, as well as Leah Pruett and Krista Baldwin.

Twenty-four hours later, Shumake, a second-generation drag racer following in the footsteps of his father, national event winning Funny Car driver Tripp Shumake, took delivery of the fully equipped truck and trailer he purchased from Jim Maroney.

“I need toolboxes, air hoses, golf carts, and starters. Finding a turnkey operation to haul this bad-ass dragster around is a huge step,” Shumake said. “Maroney is an Arizona guy like me. It’s important to me and my mom to keep those Phoenix NHRA vibes thriving.”

Shumake made his racing headquarters official, laying claim to space in the motorsports hub of Brownsburg, putting his logo on the door of the shop where he has been storing his dragster and now his truck and trailer.

“I used to mail autograph requests to drivers in Brownsburg. Now I am parked in the building next door. It’s B-A-N-A-N-A-S,” Shumake said.

Shumake’s journey to becoming a competitor and team owner in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will continue as he acquires more seat time and partnership opportunities in pursuit of a 2024 debut.