The Scrappers Racing team, featuring Top Fuel’s Jasmine Salinas and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Jianna Evaristo, is especially excited for this week’s NHRA Midwest Nationals. Current Top Alcohol Dragster world champion Julie Nataas is joining Scrappers Racing to make her NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel debut. She and the Scrappers Sisters are primed and ready to put on a great show for the fans at World Wide Technology Raceway, just outside of St. Louis.
While defending her NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Top Alcohol Dragster world title this season, Julie has also been preparing to make the leap into Top Fuel with the help of the Scrappers Racing organization. She got her Top Fuel license in July of this year and has been making test runs in the second Scrappers Racing Top Fuel machine. In addition to her sponsorships with Airmine, Red Line Oil, Elliott’s Custom Trailers and Rockstar Energy, Hedinger’s Equipment recently joined her impressive roster of partners. Hedinger’s Equipment specializes in new and used heavy trucks, service and equipment.
“The weekend I’ve worked and prepared for my whole career is finally here, and it feels unreal—but I’m beyond excited,” said Julie. “I may only have six Top Fuel passes under my belt, but thanks to my racing resume and especially the last seven years with Randy Meyer, I feel ready. I’m prepared to go out there, do my thing, gain more experience behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car, and have fun. Don’t count me out for a Wally on Sunday afternoon!”
Top Fuel rookie Jasmine Salinas and Scrappers Racing GM Adem Cave have been instrumental in orchestrating Julie’s debut as part of their vision to expand Scrappers Racing’s impact on the sport by creating opportunities for drivers. But she’s determined to stay focused on her performance as she aims to finish the 2024 season on a strong note and gain interest from potential sponsors.
“I can’t believe that we only have four races left this year. It’s all happened so quickly but I feel like I’ve learned more and grown more over the past six months than I ever could have imagined. Success in this sport is never linear. It’s about embracing the journey and most importantly, enjoying it. I’m going to enjoy every moment of these last four events. Julie’s debut makes this weekend so exciting! I can’t wait to see her make her first professional start.”
After reaching the semifinals last week in Charlotte, Jianna Evaristo is positively itching to get back on her Valley Services Scrappers Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle. The talented rider is really coming into her own thanks to the tuning and tutelage of Matt Smith Racing. She’s been topping her personal bests all season long and NHRA analysts predict that her next win is just around the corner.
“I’m looking forward to heading to St. Louis,” said Jianna. “We want to keep that momentum going. We only have four races left and we are eager to move up in the points. I think we are in a good position to finish strong this weekend before we head out west to wrap up the season.”
Scrappers Racing will take to the track for the NHRA Midwest Nationals starting with qualifying this Friday, September 27 with two sessions at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, September 28, qualifying will continue with two sessions at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 29.
Imagination 9 PR
