Veteran nitro Funny Car Justin Schriefer’s passion for competing in the NHRA is still as high as ever.

Schriefer, who is based out of Grant Park, Ill., will make his season debut at the Dodge//SRT NHRA U.S. Nationals, Sept. 3-5 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.

“We’re really confident,” Schriefer said about his first race in 2021. “We have a lot of good parts, and we have our same tuner back John “Bodie” Smith. Our expectations are to run in the 3s and qualify and bring a Wally home. We have high hopes.”

Schriefer progressed from bracket racing to the Funny Car ranks in 2005.

Back in 2019, Schriefer qualified No. 16 for the U.S. Nationals with a 4.005-second elapsed time at 317.94 mph. In 2020 at the U.S. Nationals, Schriefer battled some issues and was No. 17 in the 16-car field.

“We had an explosion which was bad for us,” Schriefer said about his 2020 U.S. Nationals appearance. “I have been so busy with work it has been hard to get out. We planned on doing Norwalk, Ohio, (June 24-27) but that got postponed on us because I have maintenance contracts in the steel mills, and I have just been crazy busy with work.”

Schriefer owns Renzo Excavating and that’s the main sponsor for his car.

“My prime other sponsor for this year is West Side Tractor,” Schriefer said. “They have like 14 stores, and one is in Indianapolis, and they bought a bunch of tickets (for the U.S. Nationals) for people who support them. They also bought two camper spots by the finish line. They have a big rooting section for us. They usually come out every year and support me and this year they are really going all out. We’re looking forward to doing a really good job in their eyes. I got a call saying they have one hundred and some tickets and I got a call saying they might have to purchase 30 or 40 tickets because they have so many people wanting to come out. It’s really exciting.”

Schriefer said if things go well in Indy, he plans on competing at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, Sept. 24-26 in St. Louis.

“Depending on my work situation, that’s my bread and butter we will see after that,” Schriefer said.

Schriefer didn’t hesitate when asked what keeps him still competing in the NHRA ranks.

“I love the fans,” Schriefer said. “The people inspire me. It just feels so good to be a mentor to people and I love the thrill and excitement of the nitro Funny Car. NHRA is just where it is at. This is the king of drag racing and where everybody wants to be.”