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Phoenix native and NHRA Top Fuel driver Travis Shumake will return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at his home track, Firebird Motorsports Park, for the NHRA Arizona Nationals, March 21-23. 

Coming off a series of low 3.70-second passes at more than 324 mph, Shumake is eager to show his hometown crowd the progress he has made since his Top Fuel debut at this event last spring.

Fry’s Food Stores will return as the primary sponsor of his dragster. Shumake launched his Top Fuel career in the Fry’s Dragster at last year’s Arizona Nationals, competing in front of a sellout crowd and facing four-time world champion Steve Torrance in the first round.

"We are thrilled to join Travis for his 2025 campaign to return home for the Arizona Nationals, saying yes was an easy decision," said Monica Garnes, president of Fry’s Food Stores. "Arizona is home to passionate motorsports fans who take pride in seeing the iconic Fry’s logo represented in the fastest racing on earth."

“Beyond the track, Travis is an incredible ambassador for our brand — whether he’s engaging with the community at events or bringing excitement to our stores, he genuinely connects with both our associates and customers. What he has accomplished in his rookie season, both on and off the track, inspires us all to live our dreams,” Garnes added.

Shumake acknowledges that his first season was a learning experience, both as a driver and team owner.

"I learned a lot last season, that’s for sure. On and off the track, I was constantly finding my footing. I’ve owned this car for over two years, but I’m still in my Top Fuel infancy. To put it into perspective — a full-time Top Fuel driver averages 120-plus laps in a single season. I’ve made 16 in my life. Even at 6’4” and 205 pounds, I’m really still just a giant Top Fuel baby."

Despite his relative newcomer status, Shumake enters Phoenix with confidence, following a strong finish to the 2024 season that had both he and fellow fan favorite Gary Pritchett consistently clocking low 3.70-second passes approaching 325 mph in his dragster.

"Five out of our last six passes, we’ve run under a 3.73. Troy Fasching, Adem Cave, and Rob Flynn have this thing on rails, and we aren’t hurting parts — which is great for my wallet," Shumake said. He credits the Scrappers Racing team, who run his program as a team car with Jasmine and Mike Salinas, for the late-season success.

"We can’t get it done without our partners. I’m so proud to have Fry’s Food Stores back this season. It was a tough offseason on the sponsorship front, but Fry’s answered the call and really stepped up to make sure this race happened," Shumake explains. “The Napp Brothers and the scientist over at CAS both answered the call at the last minute to fill larger spots on the car. They will both play a role in my summer races but just couldn’t resist the chance to be on the Arizona bomb-pop!” Shumake jokes of the striking resemblance between his dragster and the iconic popsicle. 

Yates Buick GMC will again provide the team, including Scrapper’s teammate Jasmine Salinas, with a fleet of loaner vehicles for the week. The Arizona Lottery also returned in 2025 as community partners. Red Line Oil, FCP Euro, and The Gottschalk Group have all renewed their associate partnerships for the 2025 season, where Travis is hoping to compete in at least six to eight races. He is actively seeking sponsorship beyond Phoenix. 

Shumake will throw out the first pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training game, Wednesday, March 19, then will greet fans and signing autographs at Fry’s Marketplace (Chandler & Ocotillo location) alongside the Fry’s Top Fuel dragster. Fry’s is hosting a special contest where kids can submit their own dragster designs for a chance to have their artwork featured on Shumake’s race car and be recognized as a Jr. crew chief for the weekend.