Championship Drag Racing

CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals
Pomona, Calif.
(February 7-10)

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Driver Profile

Tony Schumacher U.S. Army dragster

Pomona, Thursday: U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher claimed the provisional pole here Thursday after the first round of qualifying for the season-opening CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway.

In his only lap of the day, Schumacher laid down an impressive 4.513-second pass at 331.53 mph to move to the top of the charts with three qualifying sessions remaining.

"It certainly appears like we didn't miss a beat from the 2007 season finale out here in Pomona," said the Chicago native in reference to his world championship-clinching win in the Auto Club Finals. "Of course, when you have Alan Johnson (his crew chief) in your corner, you expect to have a terrific race car. This was a great way to kick off the new season."

With the '08 campaign officially underway, Schumacher will be attempting to secure his sixth career world championship, which would be a new Top Fuel record. He's also seeking his fifth consecutive title.

"As I've stated already, it's way too early to be thinking in that direction," he added. "This is the first race of a long season. As we know, a lot can happen in the course of 10 months."

From an immediacy standpoint, Schumacher will be looking to put yet another Pomona win in the bank. He's won five times at the history-laden facility.

"Yes, but of those five wins, only one came at the Winternationals (2004)," he said. "I would love to get another Winternationals trophy. That would be extremely cool."

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