Spencer Hyde, the driver of the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car, advanced to the quarterfinals of the uber competitive DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge. He entered race day from the No. 6 qualifying position, based on a pass that was the quickest run of his 2026 season thus far.
“It was great to see the car get in the low 3.9s this weekend,” said Hyde. “We brought on a new sponsor this weekend, Magest, and you always want to perform well for the people who have opened up their checkbooks for you.”Magest is a partner of Hyde’s family company Hyde Construction. They are constantly expanding their reach within the steel industry and are introducing new product lines/vendor relationships to provide their clients with the most economical and advanced building solutions. Owners Brock and Amanda Martin attended Sonoma Raceway this weekend to show their support for Hyde.
Hyde’s best run of the weekend came during the second round of qualifying on Friday night, a qualifying session that is known for producing high speeds. His 3.915 second, 325.92 mph pass was enough to get him in the top half of the qualified field, at the No. 6 spot. This was also his quickest pass that he’s made so far in 2026. With 18 viable cars on the property this weekend, it made the high qualifying position even more impressive.
“The Sonoma race is a trek for almost all of the teams, so pretty much any Funny Car team that adds themselves on the entry list has a shot at taking home a Wally,” said Hyde. “You have to take everyone you line up against seriously and give it your all with every pass.”
On Sunday, Hyde was first up against No. 11 qualifier Dave Richards. Unfortunately for the BlueBird Turf team, Richards’ car broke on the starting line and Hyde essentially had a single in the first round.
“You hate to see a guy break, because it doesn’t make for the best race for the fans,” said Hyde. “But this was an instance where the luck went our way. The silver lining was it guaranteed us a trip to the quarterfinals, meaning the fans got to see our car with the Magest, Hyde Construction, OUTLAW Light Beer and Caine Group decals on it another time.”
In the quarterfinals, Hyde faced Richards’ SCAG Racing teammate Daniel Wilkerson, another driver who entered race day looking to win his first Wally. Wilkerson, the No. 3 qualifier, was first off the starting line, and Hyde wasn’t able to catch him. The second-generation Funny Car driver went on to advance to the finals.
“Everyone keeps saying that Dan and I are the next guys up,” said Hyde. “He’s a great guy and the fans love him. Hopefully both of our first wins come soon.”
Despite his quarterfinal exit, Hyde still believes this race carries a lot of good mojo for him. It was here last year when he advanced to his first final round in a Funny Car, a move that propelled him to winning the 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. And as a driver who is about to become a first-time dad, the ‘Kids Only’ autograph session now holds an even more special place in his heart.
“This is a beautiful track, and I am thrilled that it appears we will be coming back again next year,” said Hyde. “In my short Funny Car career, I’ve created a lot of cool memories here, and I can’t wait to keep making more. Next year Courtney and I will have our own participant in the ‘Kids Only’ autograph session.”
Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition next week at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals on July 24-26 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, July 24 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, July 25. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Northwest Nationals visit nhra.com.
The post Spencer Hyde Advances to Quarterfinals With New Sponsor Magest in Sonoma first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
