By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Two drivers will replace Blake Alexander at Bob Vandergriff Racing. The Top Fuel Dragster team has announced the additions of Shawn Reed and Top Fuel newcomer Josh Hart to the team on Thursday.
Alexander left BVR after the season. He won his first two races with the team this summer.
Shawn Racing at an NHRA event in 2018 (Photo by the NHRA)
“On behalf of, myself, Ron Douglas, Joe Barlam, and all of our crew personnel, I can say we are excited to welcome Shawn and Josh to the team,” team owner Bob Vandergriff said. “They truly seem appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to race with BVR and have a chance to win races any time they show up at the race track which certainly means a lot to all of us moving forward.”
This will create a unique situation for Bob Vandergriff Racing. The team will have three drivers to split two dragsters.
Jordan Vandergriff will make his debut in 2019 in his own dragster. In addition, Reed and Hart will split races.
Reed is expected to compete in seven or eight races, according to the team’s press release. Hart — who is transitioning to Top Fuel from Top Alcohol Dragster — is expected to race in four events.
“I’ve always looked up to Bob and I’m flattered he is putting me in his car,” said Reed. “We’ve talked on the starting line for a couple years and have gotten to know each other. I’m excited about the prospect of our sponsors, D.A. Lubricants and Hughes Oilfield Transportation, working together too. I can’t wait to get to Phoenix testing to meet the BVR crew and get behind the wheel of a dragster that can go in the 3.70’s. I want to go rounds and win some races.”
Reed left Paton Racing earlier this month.
Hart has to get his Top Fuel license before he will be able to race at an event. In addition, he plans to run his Top Alcohol Dragster schedule.
The plan is for Hart to receive his license following the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Vandergriff will be making his debut at this event, as long as he gets his license before the event.
“I’ve always wanted to drive Top Fuel and the perfect opportunity came around with BVR,” said Hart. “Jordan and I have competed against each other the past year and I talked to him about licensing in Top Fuel and we came up with the plan. I’m proud that someone as credible as Bob has selected me to drive for him and most importantly, he understands the class needs new blood and is willing to teach.”
