Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed is preparing for a comeback after suffering severe injuries during a qualifying incident in July at Seattle. Despite losing his left index finger and breaking five ribs, Reed is attempting a cautious return through the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series event this weekend at Darana Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, ahead of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship kickoff next week at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania. This rebound effort is part of his Shawn Reed NHRA Comeback Attempt, aimed to assess his readiness to race full time again.
Extensive Injuries and Recovery Journey
Reed’s qualifying crash resulted in multiple serious injuries, including dozens of stitches, a pin inserted in his thumb, a bruised sternum, and broken ribs. These physical setbacks not only affected his health but cast doubt over his future in the highly competitive Countdown to the Championship. After six weeks of recovery and intense physical therapy, he has been cleared medically to return.
“All 55 stitches and the pin in my thumb have been removed,”
Reed stated,
“and I have officially been given the all-clear by my doctors. But before I fully commit to racing in Reading, I want to make sure I am truly good to go.”
Emotional Challenges and Support from Teammates
Beyond the physical hurdles, Reed has battled a rollercoaster of emotions throughout his ordeal. Watching from the sidelines as substitute driver Jordan Vandergriff took over during the last two races was difficult for him. Vandergriff, a former Top Fuel racer and current NHRA on FOX broadcast member, has supported the team in Reed’s absence.
Referring affectionately to Vandergriff as “my little buddy, JV,” Reed said,
“Jordan’s a great kid, man. I fell in love with that kid back when we drove together in ’19, and he’s just a good kid and he’s so appreciative of the opportunity … I’m OK with sitting on the sidelines.”
Still, Reed admitted the experience was bittersweet:
“I’ve got to admit, it was hard, standing on the sidelines watching someone else drive my car at these last two races. I love the sport. I loved it for my whole life. It just took me 58 years to get here. So here I am, and I plan on staying for a while.”
Test Run This Weekend Will Decide NHRA Return
With the Countdown playoffs commencing in Reading, the pressure is mounting to resume racing without hesitation. Reed emphasized the importance of being fully prepared before jumping back in. The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series test event offers a chance to evaluate his physical and psychological readiness under less critical conditions.
“I feel like I am ready to drive the car. I’ve been aggressive with my physical therapy, and I can grip things, no problem. It’s mainly getting it off the top end, going hand over hand—that’s what I want to make sure I’m good with. Racing in Ohio, with no points at play, will give me that opportunity,”
Reed explained.
He also acknowledged the possibility that he might delay returning to NHRA competition if the test run reveals he isn’t fully ready:
“If I decide after one pass that I’m not quite there yet, it won’t be a big deal. This weekend will be the determining factor as to whether I’ll be driving in Reading. I’m planning on it, but if at any point it feels questionable, it’ll be Jordan driving next week.”
Reed displayed faith in the process and the future:
“God has a plan for me. I don’t really know what it is.”
Implications for Reed and the NHRA Season
Shawn Reed’s determination to overcome significant physical trauma and return to the top rank of NHRA drag racing highlights the resilience required in motorsports. His measured approach to recovery and willingness to use the IHRA test event as a proving ground could influence his ability to compete effectively in the upcoming Countdown to the Championship.
If his comeback is successful, Reed will resume leadership of the Reed Trucking & Excavating Dragster and contend for the championship. If not, Vandergriff remains ready to step in and maintain the team’s competitive standing, ensuring that Reed’s ambitions stay alive while prioritizing health and safety.
Reed’s journey also reminds fans of the risks drivers endure and the importance of recovery time and cautious decision-making in high-speed sports. The drag racing community will be closely watching his performance at Hebron as a critical step toward the NHRA playoffs and beyond.
