Mike Salinas (drag racer)
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| Mike Salinas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | April 27, 1961 San Jose, California, U.S. |
| Relatives | Jasmine Salinas (daughter), Jianna Evaristo (daughter) |
| NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series career | |
| Debut season | 2011 |
| Current team | Scrappers Racing |
| Wins | 9 |
| Fastest laps | 3.647 seconds / 338.26 mph |
Michael George Salinas (born April 27, 1961) is an American NHRA drag racer. He is the father of drag racers Jasmine Salinas and Jianna Evaristo.
Early career
Salinas was introduced to racing by his dad who raced during the 60’s and 70’s at Fremont Drag Strip and Little Bonneville in California. From 2001 to 2009, he began competing in the Nostalgia Eliminator 1 and 7.0 Pro Class at his home tracks in Bakersfield and Sacramento. In 2009, he decided to pursue his professional license and received his NHRA license in Top Fuel at the Texas Motorplex.
NHRA Top Fuel Dragster & Pro Mod
In 2011, Salinas made his professional debut in NHRA Top Fuel on a part-time schedule. It wouldn't be until 2018 where he would begin racing on a full-time schedule.
In 2021, Salinas made his Professional debut in a second category, Pro Mod, competing in the NHRA E3 Spark Plugs Series while simultaneously competing in Top Fuel.
Throughout his professional career, Salinas has secured nine event wins, reset multiple speed and track records, and became the first person in Motorsports History to reach 300 mph in the 1/8th mile.
Career highlights
2017
- Earned a career-best two round wins.
- Qualified for the Auto Club Road to the Future Award[1]
- Reset career bests in time (3.779) in Sonoma and speed (324.90) in Pomona.
- Qualified at all seven races he attended.
2018
- Reached NHRA Countdown to the Championship for the first time[2]
- Made first final-round appearance in Bristol
- Reset career bests in elapsed time and speed
2019
- Earned first career win in Las Vegas[3] (spring) and went on to win in Bristol
- Raced to a career-best elapsed time and speed
- Secured five No. 1 qualifier positions
2021
- Picked up second straight win at Bristol[4]
- Advanced to four final rounds
- Earned two No. 1 qualifiers
- Finished a career-best third in points
2022
- Finished in the top five for a second straight year
- Won a career-best four races
- Advanced to six final rounds and was the points leader for two races[5]
- Picked up three No. 1 qualifiers
2023