Skip to main content
Join Now
NASCAR Logo

Report: Driver loses finger, spectator hospitalized after 300 mph NHRA crash at Pacific Raceways

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones07/21/25brianjones_93
NHRA
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver lost a finger, and a spectator was hospitalized after a crash that happened during an event at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. Shawn Reed was taking part in a qualifying session at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Northwest Nationals on Saturday when his vehicle suffered a right-rear tire failure while traveling 300 miles per hour. The vehicle spun and hit the guard wall, sending parts of the dragster in multiple directions, per KOMO News.

A woman watching the race was hit by that wheel and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. Reed was also sent to Harborview after being examined by NHRA medical personnel. On Sunday, the NHRA announced that Reed suffered injuries to his left hand, resulting in the loss of his left pointer finger and requiring that a pin be placed in his thumb. Reed also suffered two fractured ribs in the crash.

Obviously, you never want a race weekend to go like that, but I’m already on the mend,” Reed said after undergoing surgery on Sunday morning. “First of all, I want to thank the Safety Safari and the whole NHRA team for everything they do to keep us safe out there. We have the best fans in the world, and I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers from our extended racing family.”

Shawn Reed planning his NHRA return after scary crash

Shawn Reed was cleared to leave the hospital on Sunday afternoon. And despite losing a finger, Reed is ready to return to the track.

 “I’m going to be back out there as soon as I can. I don’t have a target return date as of yet, and it may require a little adjusting, but it’d take a lot more than one missing digit to keep me down,” he said. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than back out at the track, behind the wheel of my dragster, chasing that Wally.” 

According to its website, the NHRA is the largest auto racing organization in the world. NASCAR legend Tony Stewart competes in the NHRA and has won multiple events this year.