Top Fuel Racer Jasmine Salinas to Compete In NHRA, IHRA

Salinas returns to the dragstrip after pausing her top-five sophomore season in 2025 to regroup financially.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Top Fuel racer Jasmine Salinas has crafted a limited schedule of at least 10 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events and select IHRA appearances after pausing her top-five sophomore season in mid-2025 to regroup financially. Salinas will compete on a limited budget as she and her team continue pursuing a long-term marketing partnership.

Why it matters

Salinas is a rising star in the world of Top Fuel racing, and her return to the dragstrip after a financial setback is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. Her ability to secure new sponsorships and rebuild her team will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.

The details

Salinas has secured funding from Valley Services, Pleasanton Ready Mix, Adams Pools, and Red Line Oil to support her return to racing. Her veteran crew chief Todd Okuhara will lead the Scrappers Racing team, with Adem Cave as assistant crew chief and Cole Fergen as car chief. Salinas plans to compete in at least 10 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events and select IHRA appearances, starting with the March 5-8 NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

  • Salinas paused her top-five sophomore season in mid-2025 to regroup financially.
  • Salinas will compete in at least 10 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events and select IHRA appearances, starting with the March 5-8 NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

The players

Jasmine Salinas

A rising star in the world of Top Fuel racing who is returning to the dragstrip after pausing her top-five sophomore season in mid-2025 to regroup financially.

Todd Okuhara

The veteran crew chief who will lead the Scrappers Racing team.

Adem Cave

The assistant crew chief for the Scrappers Racing team.

Cole Fergen

The car chief for the Scrappers Racing team.

Mike Salinas

Jasmine Salinas' father, who had a Top Fuel career and is supporting her return to racing.

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What they’re saying

“'This crew is no joke. I've been very fortunate to work with several high-caliber crew chiefs like Rob Flynn and Joe Barlam during my short time in Top Fuel so far. Now, being able to add Todd Okuhara to our crew is very exciting. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from him. I think he's going to be invaluable to our program. This is a team that the driver believes in, and a team that believes in their driver.'”

— Jasmine Salinas

“'Cutting our season short last year was really tough, but I've learned a lot. Driving a Top Fuel dragster isn't the job. Driving a Top Fuel dragster is the reward. The job is everything else you have to do to get there.'”

— Jasmine Salinas

“'I'm really hungry for that first win, and that takes more seat time, which is why I'm going to compete in a few IHRA events in between the 10 NHRA Mission Foods Series races we plan to run. Every lap counts as we continue to seek full-time funding. I am eager to get out there and grateful for the opportunity to pursue this dream.'”

— Jasmine Salinas

What’s next

Salinas will compete in the March 5-8 NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville, Florida, as she and her team continue pursuing a long-term marketing partnership.

The takeaway

Jasmine Salinas' return to Top Fuel racing after a financial setback is a testament to her determination and passion for the sport. Her ability to rebuild her team and secure new sponsorships will be closely watched as she aims for her first career win.