NHRA Top Fuel pilot Travis Shumake will have a new look when he rolls into Norwalk, Ohio for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals thanks to his new partnership with CAS, a global leader in scientific information solutions. The Columbus-based organization partners with innovators around the world to accelerate scientific breakthroughs, much like drag racing thrives on innovation and acceleration.
Shumake will make his third professional start in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with the CAS Pride logo emblazoned on the side of his 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster, affectionately monickered, “Judith Light.” This new and interesting venture was born of a joint desire to spread a message of inclusivity and promote advancements in science.
Shumake has been on a whirlwind Ohio tour this week to celebrate his partnership with CAS and Pride Month. Not only did he serve as the Champion Of Pride (Grand Marshal) for Stonewall Columbus, Shumake also had the privilege of speaking at the Mahle headquarters. He met with the entire Goodyear corporate team, connecting with more than 800 Goodyear employees. A huge highlight for the talented driver and LGBTQ activist was sitting in the pilot’s seat of the world-renowned Goodyear Blimp.
“CAS coming into our lives was the cold CH3NO2 we needed to kick off the summer,” said Shumake. “To have an organization of this caliber and global impact step up to make sure I make it to the starting line is huge. I’ve been speaking with so many people who are new to the sport of drag racing and it’s been an honor to introduce them to the sport.”
Shumake is feeling optimistic about his upcoming performance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. He and his crew, led by Gerda Joon, have been meticulously analyzing their previous results, identifying opportunities for improvement. Adem Cave, Car Chief and GM for the Scrappers Racing Top Fuel team has also been dedicating his time and expertise to Shumake’s car.
“I have got to find a way to thank Adem Cave,” Shumake exclaims. “Write that down. If there’s a way to put that in this release aggressively, we need to. He’s done so much work for this program in the past 18 months. He and Arron (Cave) built this car, built this team, and built the foundation of my Top Fuel career. Mike and Jasmine Salinas lent me their best guys and I haven’t had a chance to make sure folks know how important they’ve been.
“It’s no secret, we’ve smoked the tires at least a half dozen passes in a row. We haven’t broken 300 MPH or 4 seconds this season. That’s not a reflection of what we are capable of, but it’s part of learning and starting a team. We’re jelling as a team. I’m getting comfortable in the car. It’s time to step up the performance. I’m hoping the genius of all these CAS scientists will rub off on the car. Just like in Chicago, a lot of cars are fighting to get into the field. If we can go A to B, we’re confident we’ll be racing on Sunday.”
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series racing action will begin with two qualifying rounds on Friday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Qualifying will continue on Saturday, June 29 with sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eliminations for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.
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