CLERMONT, Ind. – Don Schumacher Racing officials confirmed Friday that NHRA Funny Car competitor Matt Hagan will not compete during Dodge//SRT NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway after Hagan was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The team confirmed that Hagan has not been in contact with anyone since his diagnosis and he is currently quarantining.
Tommy Johnson Jr., who drove for Don Schumacher Racing the last few years before being released at the end of the 2020 season, will return to the team to pilot the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car in Hagan’s place.
“We’re disappointed Matt won’t have the opportunity to compete for a trophy this weekend, but the health and safety of our fans, competitors, NHRA staff, and team members is our top priority,” Don Schumacher Racing officials said in a statement. “We wish Matt a speedy recovery and hope he can return to competition soon. In the meantime, we’re pleased Tommy Johnson Jr. was available to fill-in in Matt’s absence. Tommy has been a part of the DSR family for many years, and we know he will do Matt and DSR proud.”
Hagan moved to the NHRA Funny Car point lead after winning his second race of the season on Aug. 22 at Brainerd Int’l Raceway. Per NHRA, any points accumulated by Johnson during the NHRA U.S. Nationals will be awarded to Hagan.