Travis Shumake Announces Partnership with CAS for Norwalk Event

NHRA Top Fuel driver Travis Shumake will have a new look for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals thanks to his new partnership with CAS, a global leader in scientific information solutions. The Columbus-based organization partners with innovators around the world to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

Shumake will make her third professional start in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with the CAS Pride logo emblazoned on the side of her Top Fuel dragster, affectionately nicknamed “Judith Light.” This new and interesting adventure was born from a common desire to spread a message of inclusion and promote scientific advances.

Shumake took a whirlwind tour of Ohio this week to celebrate his partnership with CAS and Pride Month. Not only did he serve as the Pride Champion (Grand Marshal) for Stonewall Columbus, but Shumake also had the privilege of speaking at Mahle’s corporate headquarters. He met with the entire Goodyear team, connecting with over 800 Goodyear employees. One of the highlights for the talented pilot and LGBTQ activist was sitting in the pilot’s seat of the world-famous Goodyear Blimp.

“Having CAS in our lives was the cold CH3NO2 we needed to kick off the summer,” Shumake said. “For an organization of this caliber and global impact to step up to make sure I could get to the starting line is huge. I’ve spoken with a lot of people who are new to the sport of drag racing and it’s been an honor to introduce them to the sport.”

Shumake is feeling optimistic about his upcoming performance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. He and his team, led by Gerda Joon, meticulously analyzed their previous results, identifying opportunities for improvement. Adem Cave, head of the car and general manager of the Scrappers Racing Top Fuel team, also devoted his time and expertise to Shumake’s car.

“I have to find a way to thank Adem Cave,” Shumake said. “Write that down. If there’s a way to aggressively integrate this into this release, we should do it. He has done so much work for this program over the last 18 months. He and Arron (Cave) built this car, built this team and laid the foundation for my Top Fuel career. Mike and Jasmine Salinas lent me their best guys and I didn’t have a chance to make sure people knew how important they were.

“It’s no secret, we smoked the tires at least half a dozen passes in a row. We haven’t gone over 300 mph or four seconds this season. This is not a reflection of what we are capable of, but it is part of learning and building a team. We play as a team. I feel comfortable in the car. It’s time to step up the performance. I hope the genius of all these CAS scientists rubs off on the car. Just like in Chicago, many cars are fighting to enter the field. If we can get from A to B, we are confident we will race on Sunday. »