Championship Drag Racing

O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals
Ennis, TX
(September 21-24)

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Driver Profile

Tony Schumacher U.S. Army dragster

Dallas, Friday: U.S. Army Top Fuel driver, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, grabbed the third starting spot here Friday after the opening day of qualifying for the 21st annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex.

Schumacher's 4.630-second pass at 318.32 mph during the evening session put him right behind Doug Kalitta and Rod Fuller, respectively, in the order.

"I was a little bit surprised at the number we put up at night," said the Chicago native. "I'm sure Alan Johnson (his crew chief) was expecting more. But, to be honest, I felt a lot better about the lap we made in the afternoon."

Battling a blazing sun and 95 degree heat, Schumacher laid down a 4.659-second pass at 324.98 mph, while many other teams were struggling with tire traction.

"To be fair, we needed to perform during the daylight because that will likely be race day conditions," he added. "We'll just come out swinging again tomorrow to get ready for Sunday."

Schumacher entered the race weekend holding second-place in the standings, 54 points behind Kalitta.

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