Spencer Massey Brainerd preview

Massey enters Brainerd with hot hand
IHRA Top Fuel points leader looks to make run on NHRA TAD Championship

BRAINERD, Minn. – Hot off his third Top Fuel win of the season at last weekend’s IHRA Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals in Martin, Mich., Spencer Massey returns to NHRA competition behind the wheel of his trusty A/Fuel Dragster at this weekend’s Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn. Massey enters the event eighth in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster national standings, but has attended fewer events than all but one of the competitors in front of him. His dream of winning both series’ championships is still very much intact.

Massey, 25, of Ft. Worth, Texas, who won this event last year, enters this weekend’s event on the proverbial ‘cloud nine.’ He’s been there ever since earning his Top Fuel license earlier in the year, then winning his first two races in IHRA Top Fuel competition, and leading NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster points most of the year. With only three races remaining on the IHRA schedule, he has a very real shot at the IHRA Championship. Massey cites his focus is back on driving Gene Snow’s A/Fuel Dragster this weekend.

“To pick up another Top Fuel win was awesome, and that’s four finals in seven events this year,” said Massey. “We’re definitely excited to have the points lead with three races left. We still have our work cut out for us, because it’s not over by any means. Having the points lead at the end of the season is what’s important. We’re just enjoying the position we’re in. To say this has exceeded all of our expectations for the year would be an understatement. This whole deal started out to get me some seat time in a Top Fuel car and get my Top Fuel license. Chasing the IHRA Championship, much less leading the points seven races into it wasn’t even in the discussion when we started talking to [car owner] Mitch King earlier in the year.

“That’s just a testament to our Crew Chief Paul Smith and the team Mitch has put together,” Massey added. “But this weekend, it’s time to focus back on driving Gene’s A/Fuel car.”

This weekend marks the first time Massey has competed with the A/Fuel car in two months, as it has been parked since Chicago.

“IHRA has most of their schedule during the summer months, so we parked the A/Fueler for the summer,” stated Massey. “Not to mention the A/Fuel cars run better when it’s cooler. It’s time for us to get back out there and make up some ground on the competition. If we can win a few races, we can jump right back in the hunt. We still have a shot, we just need to get hot.”

He also looks forward to returning to the Top Alcohol ranks, which he considers his racing family.

“I’m glad to be back in the Top Alcohol pits,” Massey added. “These people are my friends and many of them are like family. It’s definitely a more laid back environment than Top Fuel. Not to mention there’s not quite the work load back in the pits. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions, followed by one final session Saturday morning. Eliminations begin with round one Saturday afternoon and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.

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Contact: Will Hanna/Pro Race Communications
Email: Will.Hanna@InsideTopAlcohol.com