Jasmine Salinas Bio
Early Life and Background
Jasmine Monique Salinas was born on January 4, 1992, in San Jose, California. She is the daughter of renowned drag racer Mike Salinas and has three sisters, one of whom, Jianna Evaristo-Salinas, is also a professional racer. Growing up in a racing family, Jasmine was exposed to the motorsports world from a young age, which fueled her passion for racing. She began her racing career at the age of 15 in the NHRA Junior Drag Racing Series, where she competed alongside her sisters.
Jasmine attended The University of San Francisco, where she studied Mandarin Chinese and earned a degree in Global Studies. Her educational background, combined with her racing heritage, has shaped her approach to the sport and her aspirations within it.
Path to NHRA
Salinas made her entry into competitive racing through the NHRA Junior Drag Racing Series, where she honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in drag racing. After several years of competing at the junior level, she transitioned to the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in 2019, making her debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. Her early years in the sport were marked by determination and resilience, setting the stage for her future endeavors.
During her time in the Lucas Oil Series, Jasmine achieved notable success, including a significant milestone as the North Central Regional Champion in 2022. This achievement not only highlighted her talent but also established her as a rising star in the drag racing community.
Jasmine Salinas Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Jasmine Salinas began her professional racing career in 2019, competing in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. In her rookie season, she finished 15th in points, showcasing her potential in a highly competitive field. Over the next few years, she faced various challenges, including a serious crash during the 2021 AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Nationals at Gainesville Raceway. Despite this setback, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, finishing 6th in National Standings and securing her first National Event win in 2022 at the same venue where she had previously crashed.
Her performance in 2022 was particularly impressive, as she won four races and tied for 2nd in the World standings while claiming the North Central Regional Championship. This success earned her recognition as part of Drag Illustrated’s ’30 Under 30,’ further solidifying her status in the sport.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Breakthrough (2024)
Jasmine Salinas is set to make her professional debut in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in 2024, driving for Scrappers Racing. This season marks a significant milestone in her career, as she will compete alongside her father, Mike Salinas, making them the first father-daughter duo in NHRA Top Fuel Dragster history. The anticipation surrounding her debut is high, given her impressive track record in the Lucas Oil Series.
As she transitions to the Top Fuel category, Jasmine aims to build on her previous successes and establish herself among the elite in drag racing. Her crew chief, Joe Barlam, will play a crucial role in guiding her through this new chapter, as they work together to optimize performance and strategy on the track.
Scrappers Racing Era (2024–Present)
Joining Scrappers Racing represents a pivotal moment in Jasmine’s career. The team is known for its competitive spirit and commitment to excellence, providing her with the resources and support needed to succeed in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. As she prepares for her debut season, Jasmine is focused on leveraging her experience and skills to make a significant impact in the Top Fuel category.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Jasmine Salinas is known for her aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. Her background in the NHRA Junior Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Series has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of drag racing. Her ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions and her determination to succeed are key strengths that will serve her well in the competitive landscape of the NHRA.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Among her notable achievements, Jasmine’s victory at Gainesville Raceway in 2022 stands out as a defining moment in her career. Additionally, her recognition as the North Central Regional Champion in the same year underscores her talent and potential as a rising star in the sport.
Jasmine Salinas Career Wins
Jasmine Salinas has already made a name for herself in the NHRA, with several significant wins during her time in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Her transition to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in 2024 is highly anticipated, as she aims to continue her success at the professional level.
Current NHRA Series Highlights
As of now, Jasmine has achieved notable wins in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, including her first National Event win in 2022. Her performance has positioned her as a contender in the upcoming NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, where she will seek to build on her accomplishments and establish herself in the Top Fuel category.
Previous NHRA Series Achievements
In her previous series, Jasmine’s standout performance in 2022, where she won multiple races and secured the North Central Regional Championship, showcases her capabilities as a driver. Her journey through the ranks of drag racing has been marked by resilience and determination, setting the stage for her future successes.
Jasmine Salinas Family
Family Background and NHRA Lineage
Jasmine comes from a prominent racing family, with her father, Mike Salinas, being a well-known NHRA Top Fuel driver. Her sister, Jianna Evaristo-Salinas, also competes in the sport, contributing to the family’s legacy in drag racing. This familial connection has played a significant role in shaping Jasmine’s career and passion for motorsports.
Personal Life
Jasmine Salinas is of Dutch-Indonesian and Mexican-Commanche-Spanish descent. She currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she focuses on her racing career. Her dedication to the sport and her family’s support have been instrumental in her journey as a professional racer.
2025 Season Performance
As Jasmine Salinas prepares for her debut in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in 2024, the 2025 season is expected to be a pivotal year for her career. With the support of Scrappers Racing and her crew chief, Joe Barlam, she aims to make a strong impression in the Top Fuel category. The upcoming season will be crucial for establishing her presence in the professional racing circuit, and fans are eager to see how she will perform against seasoned competitors.
