Shawn Reed is preparing to make his comeback to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series following a six-week layoff due to injuries sustained in a crash at the NHRA Northwest Nationals. Reed suffered multiple fractured ribs and the loss of his left index finger in the Seattle incident, sidelining him during a critical stretch of the season.

Before officially returning at the NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish on September. 10–12, Reed will test his readiness this weekend at the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series in Hebron, Ohio. The outing at Darana Raceway will mark his first time back in the Reed Trucking & Excavating dragster since the crash.

“Ever since the dust settled from my accident, I’ve been champing at the bit to get back behind the wheel,” Reed said. “Jordan (Vandergriff) did a great job, and I was happy to give him that opportunity, but I’ve got to admit, it was hard standing on the sidelines watching someone else drive my car at these last two races.”

Vandergriff stepped in for Reed at Brainerd and Indianapolis, securing enough points to keep the team playoff-eligible. With the Countdown to the Championship beginning in Reading, Reed emphasized the importance of ensuring he’s fully prepared before racing for points.

“As much as I was eager to get back out there, I knew it was important not to rush it. My doctors all agreed that Reading seemed like it could be a realistic timeline, but we really had to just kind of wait and see how things played out. I’m happy to report that all 55 stitches and the pin in my thumb have been removed, and I have officially been given the all-clear by my doctors. But, before I fully commit to racing in Reading, I want to make sure I am truly good to go.

Photo By: KZ Photography

“With Reading being the first race of the Countdown and our team in the playoffs, the stakes are high and there’s no room for me to go out there, make a pass, and decide ‘hmm, maybe I should’ve waited a bit longer.’ I feel like I am ready to drive the car. I’ve been aggressive with my physical therapy, and I can grip things no problem; it’s mainly getting it off the top end, going hand over hand, that’s what I want to make sure I’m good with. Racing in Ohio, with no points at play, will give me that opportunity. If I decide after one pass that I’m not quite there yet, it won’t be a big deal. Obviously, we’re going into this weekend with a competitive mindset, and we want to win, but the reality is, I wouldn’t have wanted to go out in Reading and waited until I made that first qualifying run to figure out that maybe I should’ve waited a little longer. This weekend will be the determining factor as to whether or not I’ll be driving in Reading. I’m planning on it, but if at any point it feels questionable, it’ll be Jordan driving next week.”

Doctors have cleared Reed for competition, and his team has outfitted him with a chest protector, borrowed from Funny Car veteran Robert Hight, to reduce strain on his ribs. Reed says he’s progressed well in physical therapy and can now grip comfortably, but wants to confirm his ability to handle a full 330 mph run.

With his team prepared and the playoffs ahead, Reed hopes this weekend’s test run will confirm his return to NHRA competition at Reading.