Jasmine Salinas Eyes Resurgence With Hybrid 2026 Campaign

Top Fuel standout Jasmine Salinas is preparing for a determined return to competition in 2026, and the road back promises to be as strategic as it is exciting. The fan-favorite driver will run a hybrid schedule that blends at least 10 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with select appearances in IHRA Top Fuel competition, giving her valuable seat time while the Scrappers Racing team continues to build its long-term funding picture.

Salinas will officially open her season next month at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, a familiar stage where momentum can be built quickly in the ultra-competitive nitro ranks. Operating on a measured budget, the team is carefully mapping each appearance while actively pursuing a full-season partner.

Last season provided both promise and perspective. After opening her sophomore campaign with impressive consistency, Salinas and her group made the difficult call to park the Valley Services/Scrappers Racing dragster despite sitting fifth in points. The decision was painful, but it ultimately sharpened the team’s focus.

“Cutting our season short last year was really tough, but I’ve learned a lot,” said Salinas. “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. 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. I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to Valley Services, Pleasanton Ready Mix, Adams Pools and Red Line Oil for their continued support.”

Veteran crew chief Todd Okuhara will guide the operation, bringing decades of nitro knowledge and championship-level experience. Supported by assistant crew chief Adem Cave and car chief Cole Fergen, the Scrappers group believes the foundation is firmly in place for measurable gains.

“This crew is no joke,” commented Salinas. “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.”

Looking ahead, Salinas has also targeted a return to the U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend, a moment that could define the trajectory of her resurgent campaign if early progress translates into round wins and growing momentum.

With patience, persistence, and horsepower on her side, the determined standout aims to turn opportunity into a breakthrough victory during the upcoming season, ahead of schedule expectations everywhere.