Shawn Reed Rockets Forward with Career-Best Speed at Route 66 Nationals

Shawn Reed is finding quick gains at just the right time in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. During the Route 66 Nationals at Chicago’s Route 66 Raceway, Reed delivered his fastest speed ever in a Top Fuel dragster, reaching 334.82 mph.

This milestone came in qualifying, where he ran a 3.720-second pass and grabbed the No. 7 position on the elimination ladder. Conditions were unpredictable all weekend, with shifting air pressure, fluctuating temperatures, and gusty winds, making every run a challenge for drivers and teams. For more on how weather impacts drag racing performance, check out this NOAA resource on atmospheric conditions.

On Friday, Reed opened qualifying with a 4.150 at 230.10 mph. As a dust storm approached later that afternoon, he shut off early in his second attempt, choosing not to risk damaging the car.

His third pass turned heads—a 3.720 at a searing 334.82 mph, the highest speed of his career. In the last qualifying round, Reed made another strong attempt, but his top speed from session three kept him firmly in the top half for eliminations.

When race day began, Reed faced Dan Mercier in the opening round of eliminations. They had lined up together in qualifying, foreshadowing a close battle.

Sunday morning, Reed’s car launched off the line slightly ahead of Mercier, powering to a 3.750 at 334.40 mph and claiming the round win on a holeshot. In the next round, Reed met multi-discipline racing ace Tony Stewart.

As the round began, Reed’s car smoked the tires almost immediately, forcing him to pedal and regain control. Stewart had trouble with tire smoke further down the track, leading to a wild pedal fest between both drivers. To learn more about tire dynamics in drag racing, visit SAE International’s technical papers.

Stewart reached the finish first, ending Reed’s weekend, but it was clear Reed’s team had made strong progress through the event. Reed said their recent test session in Indianapolis helped dial in their setup and energize the team.

He noted that racing conditions got tricky during the second round as the track changed. Despite the early exit in E2, Reed pointed to the first-round win—and the career-best speed—as proof they are moving in the right direction.

He said reaching 334 mph felt rewarding and indicated the team’s top-end performance is coming together. Now, focus shifts to starting-line consistency so that early-round speed translates into more wins. For insights on racing strategies, the NHRA’s official rulebook provides detailed guidelines.

With Route 66 in the rearview, the Reed Trucking & Excavating team is setting their sights on the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. That race is scheduled for May 30 to June 1, offering Reed another shot at adding to his growing momentum.

The Top Fuel ranks remain tight, with competition heating up as the summer stretch of the schedule approaches. For Reed, every round win is one step closer to his goals for the season. For more on the history of Top Fuel racing, explore the Smithsonian’s Motorsports Collection.

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.