Travis Shumake has been making history—and turning heads—on the NHRA circuit since 2020, proudly taking up the mantle as the first openly gay drag racer on the track.
But when he’s not blazing down the quarter-mile at breathtaking speeds (with a rainbow parachute billowing out behind him, of course!), Shumake is on a mission to show the motorsports world that LGBTQ+ drivers have more than enough horsepower to compete at the highest levels.
The Ultimate New York Proposal
This holiday season, however, Travis swapped roaring engines for ferry engines!
While his and partner Daryl’s families were together in New York City to celebrate Christmas, the couple decided to take in the city’s iconic skyline from the Staten Island Ferry.
Cue the enchanting snowfall. Cue the Manhattan lights. Cue Shumake slipping away to the boat’s upper deck and dropping to one knee in front of Lady Liberty herself.
Daryl said “yes!” in a moment that truly sparkled with holiday magic.
The two savored the hush-hush thrill—returning to their families below deck, hearts pounding, with only the snow on Travis’s pant leg to give them away.
Hallmark-Worthy Reveal
Eventually, the newly engaged duo spilled the beans over a celebratory dinner at Delmonico’s Steakhouse in Lower Manhattan.
Surrounded by the festive spirit (and presumably a toast or two), they announced their next big chapter—a chapter that we know will be filled with love, excitement, and plenty of racing stripes.
In an Instagram post recapping the romantic moment, Shumake quipped, “It doesn’t get more New York than that. Not sure how or why he’s kept me around for seven years. Figured I should put a ring on it before he wises up.”
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And trust us, the dashing Daryl isn’t going anywhere—any partner who bravely cheers trackside while nitro-fueled cars roar by is in it for the long haul!
Back to the Fast Lane
With the question popped and the ring firmly on Daryl’s finger, Travis is ready to swap the ferry deck for the dragstrip once again.
He’s prepping for the 2025 NHRA Arizona Nationals on March 21, where he’ll hope to zoom across the finish line in record time—and no doubt glance over to the sidelines to see his new fiancé cheering him on.
But let’s not forget: Shumake has been more than just a competitor.
He’s a spokesperson for an inclusive motorsport future—sponsored by Grindr and decked out in bold rainbow gear that screams pride.
Now that he’s forging a life partnership at the same time, the racing arena (and the wedding aisle!) will be that much more fabulous.
Celebrating Love & Progress
Travis Shumake’s journey proves that the world of drag racing—a domain typically dominated by straight male drivers—has plenty of room for every kind of champion.
The fact that he’s crossing big milestones in his personal life while breaking barriers on the track is a testament to his unstoppable spirit.
So rev your engines, sweethearts, and raise a toast to Travis and Daryl’s engagement.
May their future be filled with checkered flags, endless love, and the kind of joy that can only be described as full throttle.
Let’s hear it for a true racing power couple—one that’s speeding toward “I do!” as fast as their Funny Car can take them!
Congratulations, Travis & Daryl!
We can’t wait to see how this fast and fabulous love story unfolds—both on the track and at the altar.
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