Top Fuel driver Jasmine Salinas is making a determined comeback to professional drag racing in 2026, targeting both NHRA and IHRA events after a mid-2025 break due to financial challenges. With support from long-time sponsors tied to her family’s racing legacy, Salinas aims to contest at least ten NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rounds along with select IHRA competitions, launching her return at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, in March.
Strong Team Structure Supports Salinas’ Racing Ambitions
The Scrappers Racing team, owned by Salinas’ family, features veteran crew chief Todd Okuhara at the helm, with Adem Cave assisting and Cole Fergen as car chief. Salinas expressed great confidence in this experienced crew’s ability to elevate her performance.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work with several high-caliber crew chiefs like Rob Flynn and Joe Barlam during my short time in Top Fuel so far. Now, being able to add Todd Okuhara to our crew is very exciting. I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from him. I think he’s going to be invaluable to our program. This is a team that the driver believes in, and a team that believes in their driver,”
Salinas stated.
Funding and Sponsorships Drive the Limited Racing Schedule
Salinas secured backing from sponsors such as Valley Services, Pleasanton Ready Mix, Adams Pools, and Red Line Oil—companies with a history of supporting both her and her father Mike’s racing careers. Despite running on a limited budget, the team is committed to competing in key NHRA and IHRA events while continuing to pursue a comprehensive marketing partnership to support a full-time campaign in the future.
Motivated to Gain Experience and Achieve Winning Results
Reflecting on the struggles of cutting her previous season short, Salinas remains intensely focused on gaining more seat time and her first win.
“Cutting our season short last year was really tough, but I’ve learned a lot,”
she said.
“Driving a Top Fuel dragster isn’t the job. Driving a Top Fuel dragster is the reward. The job is everything else you have to do to get there.”
To maximize track time, Salinas plans to fill her schedule with IHRA events alongside her NHRA commitments.
“I’m really hungry for that first win, and that takes more seat time, which is why I’m going to compete in a few IHRA events in between the 10 NHRA Mission Foods Series races we plan to run. Every lap counts as we continue to seek full-time funding. I am eager to get out there and grateful for the opportunity to pursue this dream,”
she expressed.
“I can’t say thank-you enough to [my sponsors].”
Experienced Coverage Highlights Salinas’ Journey
Susan Wade, a seasoned motorsports journalist based in Seattle with decades of drag racing coverage and recognition such as the Russ Catlin Award, has chronicled Salinas’ career with an emphasis on the human story behind the racing efforts. Wade’s insights underscore the passion and resilience fueling Salinas’ upcoming season.
Outlook for Jasmine Salinas’ Racing Future
Jasmine Salinas’ return to the dragstrip represents a critical step in her racing career, as she balances competitive aspirations with the ongoing challenge of securing funding. Her collaboration with trusted sponsors and a strong crew points to a promising opportunity to build momentum in the NHRA and IHRA circuits. Observers will be watching closely to see whether this renewed effort can translate into sustained success and ultimately, a breakthrough win in the fiercely competitive Top Fuel category.
