Shawn Reed is making a determined comeback to the NHRA Countdown to the Championship despite a serious crash in July at Seattle that cost him his left index finger and left him with multiple fractured ribs. With the NHRA Countdown Shawn Reed recovery underway, he will rejoin competition this weekend at the Reading Nationals, the first of six playoff events in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, held at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pennsylvania.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges After the Accident
Following the crash, Reed’s recovery involved both physical healing and mental adjustment. He was sidelined for several races, filled in temporarily by Jordan Vandergriff, who helped maintain the team‘s competitive standing. Reed made a notable return by winning an IHRA Outlaw Series race near Columbus, Ohio, defeating three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon in the final. This victory proved Reed could compete successfully despite his new physical condition.
Reed said,
Physically, my hand is of course still sore. It’s only been seven weeks since the accident, but like I’ve said many times, the pain is tolerable, which makes it manageable in the car,
underscoring the ongoing challenges he faces behind the wheel.
Mental hurdles were tougher than anticipated, as Reed reflected,
Mentally, that was a little more challenging than I had anticipated. For seven weeks, I thought I was some big badass and I was just going to jump back into the car and be a hero.
When he first returned to racing, the trauma from the accident lingered in his mind. However, he explained,
Really for me, it was all about getting the crash out of my mind. Those first three to four runs down the track at 800 feet, I thought about it, but by that Sunday afternoon in the finals against Larry Dixon, I wasn’t really thinking about it anymore. So, hoping I’m past that and can stay in the mindset that it was just a fluke thing that happened,
signaling a turning point in his mental recovery.
Adapting Equipment and Driving Style for Better Performance
Reed’s comeback is also marked by technical adjustments to accommodate his injury. He abandoned the chest protector he had initially used for comfort, stating,
I ended up taking it off after first round last weekend. It didn’t hurt me at all, even pulling the ‘chutes. I wasn’t in pain, so I don’t plan to use the chest protector this weekend in Reading. I’m wearing a modified glove with a finger removed—didn’t want that thing flapping around! And, I’ve got a different steering wheel, which I’m still getting used to but really liking so far.
These modifications are aiding his transition back to top-level drag racing by increasing his confidence and control.
Strong Team and Equipment Support Boosts Confidence at Countdown
Despite starting the six-race playoff from the No. 10 position—the same spot as the previous year—Reed remains optimistic about his chances. He expressed his mindset clearly:
I’m looking forward to the Countdown, and I’m so excited to get back out there. I have the all-clear from my doctors and the all-clear from NHRA. We’re going to Reading to win this dang race, period,
emphasizing his focus on success rather than mere participation.
Reed also praised his team’s preparation, saying,
Our car is running great. We qualified third in Brainerd and second in Indy with Jordan driving, and although we had a few miscues on race day, the car has been running well. Then we went over to Ohio, set the car up against the opponents we were racing, and got the job done. So I think [crew chief Rob] Wendland and Ryan [assistant Elliott] have a good handle on the car. We just need to not make any little mistakes on race day.
With robust technical support behind him, Reed anticipates a strong performance as he resumes the championship chase.
Looking Ahead: Qualifying and Championship Prospects
Qualifying rounds for the Reading Nationals take place on Friday and Saturday, with eliminations on Sunday. The event is broadcast on FS1, including qualifying coverage at noon ET and eliminations at 2 p.m. ET. With his recovery advancing well and confidence growing, Shawn Reed’s participation marks a crucial moment in the NHRA Countdown. His return not only inspires hopes for climbing the playoff rankings but also demonstrates resilience after a severe setback.
