2025 Movers, Shakers, & Deal Makers
17 Apr 2025 | Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor
While one run does not a career make, it’s hard to overstate the importance of the career-best 3.724-second run that Travis Shumake made in his Top Fuel car last November in Las Vegas. As much as anything else, that one run convinced Shumake, and perhaps any of his doubters, that the second-generation racer belonged.
“That day and that run; it legitimized all the effort that has been put into getting this program going, not just for me but for everyone who has been involved,” said Shumake. “I think it was more rewarding for the people around me. I operate at an extreme level of confidence, so really, I was wondering when we’re going to run 3.6s.”
Shumake’s story isn’t that much different from many other current racers. He grew up watching his late father, Tripp, make a name for himself in the Funny Car class in the 1970s and ’80s and often thought to himself, “I’m going to do that someday.” It took a bit longer than he would have liked, but he was able to turn that dream into reality.
“I only ever saw my dad race once, his last race at the Texas Motorplex in 1988,” said Shumake. “Most of the memories of him are him announcing from the booth at Firebird [Motorsports Park], after he was done racing. Last year, I got to announce in the same chair in the same tower. That was a special moment for me.
“I think the desire to race was always there, but it was a matter of having the confidence to do it,” said Shumake. “I never felt like I had a true inner connection to the sport. I was 35 and gay and didn’t think I could just show up and be accepted. One night, I had dinner with [NHRA broadcasters] Brian Lohnes, Tony Pedregon, and Amanda Busick, and they basically said, ‘There is a place in this sport for you. There is a place here for everyone.’ That was all I needed to hear, and I signed up for Frank Hawley’s school the next day. That was a pivotal moment in my life.”
After a brief stint in the Top Alcohol Dragster category, Shumake made the extremely ambitious decision to purchase his own Top Fuel operation. He did so partially out of necessity and partially out of stubbornness.
“First off is my size. I’m really tall, and there wasn’t really a rental car available that I could fit in,” said Shumake. “I also wanted to be able to control my own destiny. I am an educated businessperson, and I have faith in myself. I wanted to do things my own way. If I was working with a potential sponsor, I wanted the ability to paint the car and display it. Mike [Salinas] had this car he bought for Jasmine [Salinas], but it was too big for her. Fortunately, it fit me.”
This year, Shumake made his season debut at his home event in Phoenix, where he qualified solidly and gave past world champ Doug Kalitta all he could handle in round one. Under the guidance of the Scrappers Racing team, he also topped 330 mph for the first time, achieving another personal milestone. Currently, Shumake plans to compete in Norwalk, Indianapolis, and the fall Las Vegas event with the hopes of adding, at minimum, additional stops in Reading, Dallas, and Pomona.
Shumake spends much of his time marketing his team, and based in New York City, he has solid connections within America’s financial capital, which helps give him the confidence necessary to continue pursuing his goals.
“I’ve worked with some big brands and big ad agencies out there.” Shumake said. “Obviously, being a Top Fuel driver and being successful is important, but there is a bigger picture out there. I love helping my peers, and that’s a big part of my program. I help as much as I can when it comes to marketing decks and writing pitches for others. I may do things a bit differently, but I think I’ve earned the respect of my peers and fans.
“I’m also grateful that NHRA has supported me at every turn,” he said. “We are growing together. When it comes to diversity, other sports think it, but we actually do it.”