JASMINE SALINAS Returns to NHRA Top Fuel After Four-Month Financial Break

August 6, 2025

by Brian Wagner // from www.dragzine.com

• JASMINE SALINAS is making her comeback at the U.S. Nationals after a four-month hiatus caused by financial constraints that forced Scrappers Racing to pause their 2025 campaign in April. The rising Top Fuel star had been running inside the top five in points standings with a final-round appearance in Las Vegas before the break, proving she belonged among the championship contenders.
• During her time away from competition, SALINAS took the high road by ensuring her entire crew found full-time positions elsewhere in the sport rather than leaving them hanging. She’s assembled a strong team for her return, including respected crew chief Joe Barlam who brings experience from top-tier operations like John Force Racing and Don Schumacher Racing, plus longtime Scrappers member Adem Cave as assistant crew chief.
• The timing couldn’t be more perfect – SALINAS relocated from California to Indianapolis specifically to advance her drag racing career, and now she gets to compete at the sport’s biggest event in her new hometown. Before the break, Scrappers Racing was one of only three Top Fuel teams without a first-round loss, generating legitimate buzz around SALINAS as a potential title threat despite being in just her sophomore season.

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