As the engines roar to life at the 72nd U.S. Nationals this Labor Day weekend, one of Brownsburg’s own will take center stage at the world’s most prestigious drag race.
Jasmine Salinas, driver of the Scrappers Racing Top Fuel dragster, will compete against the world’s best at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, driving a 12,000-horsepower dragster c with speeds exceeding 330 mph.
For Salinas, competing in racing’s biggest event of the year is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance.
“I love Brownsburg,” Salinas said. “I love that this is a racing community.”
Originally from California, Salinas relocated to Brownsburg five years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a professional race car driver, joining her family’s growing NHRA operation.
Since 2024, Salinas has raced in Top Fuel, motorsports’ highest level, to establish herself as one of the sport’s rising stars. She has recorded a career-best speed of 334.90 mph, making her one of the fastest women in the NHRA. At full speed, her dragster travels the length of four football fields in less than four seconds.
Despite competing in one of the fastest and most physically demanding sports in the world, Salinas hopes her journey encourages others who may not fit the traditional image of a professional athlete.
“Most people look at me, and they’re like, ‘There’s no way you do this,’ and I love that,” she said. “Just because your journey doesn’t look the right way doesn’t mean you can’t get there.”
For Salinas, success is measured in fractions of a second.
“Your entire season and championship can be lost in three seconds,” she said. “Three seconds—that’s all we have.”
Fans will have the opportunity to cheer on Salinas as she returns to the track for the 72nd U.S. Nationals, taking place Sept. 2–7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Tickets are available online and at the track box office, and the event will be broadcast nationally on television.
