Shawn Reed Ready to ‘Stab the Gas’ at Gerber Collision NHRA Route 66 Nationals After Key Tune-Up

Shawn Reed and his Reed Trucking & Excavating Top Fuel Dragster team are preparing for an important weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, set for May 16–18 at Route 66 Raceway. Reed comes into this sixth stop in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season looking to rebound after a tough first-round loss at the recent Charlotte four-wide event.

Despite qualifying fourth there, Reed came up short in a close race. That early exit has motivated him and his crew to spend extra hours back at the shop making adjustments and improvements.

The team’s main focus in the past weeks has been refining their clutch setup and addressing several areas they identified for better performance. Reed expressed satisfaction with returning to the traditional two-wide racing format and mentioned that recent shop work has the crew confident for the weekend.

Looking ahead, the plan involves a test session before qualifying kicks off on May 16 to help fine-tune their car’s settings. Reed hopes these changes will translate to sharper reaction times and improved consistency down the track.

Last season at Route 66 Raceway, Reed had a strong outing, qualifying in fifth position and making it to the quarterfinal round before falling to Shawn Langdon. This year, Reed stands just two competitive rounds away from moving into the NHRA Top Fuel top 10 rankings.

The Joliet event is seen as a significant opportunity with valuable series points on the line. A solid weekend could help Reed close the gap and improve his standing as the season continues. Fans can follow the detailed drag race bracket at Chicago to keep track of all eliminations.

The event schedule features qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday, May 16–17, followed by eliminations on Sunday, May 18. Fans are expecting a strong push from Reed and his crew as they aim for fast runs and longer stays in competition on race day.

The Route 66 Nationals have always been a favorite for teams looking to make a statement during the heart of the NHRA season, and Reed’s group is no exception.

With the Route 66 Raceway known for its fast surface and enthusiastic fans, the weekend offers a compelling stage for Top Fuel action. Reed’s commitment to testing and adjustments highlights the team’s goal to maximize every opportunity and compete with the top drivers in the class.

Their progress during the early part of the season gives them momentum heading into the Joliet stop. The racing community will be watching Reed’s performance closely as he aims to turn recent lessons into positive results.

A move into or closer to the top 10 would mark a step forward for both Reed and his program after the hard work put in between rounds. Attention now turns to qualifying, where execution and reliability will be key factors.

As the gates open for the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals, the focus is on every detail. Reed and the Reed Trucking & Excavating team are positioned for a potential breakthrough weekend as fans and teams gear up for a packed schedule of NHRA Top Fuel racing action. Their dedication to excellence earned them recognition as crew of the year contenders.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.