Championship Drag Racing

Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Chicago, Ill.
(June 5-8)

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Driver Profile

Tony Schumacher U.S. Army dragster

Chicago, Sunday: U.S. Army Top Fuel pilot Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher secured his fourth win of the year here Sunday in the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.

A Chicago area resident, Schumacher disposed of Rod Fuller in the finals with a weekend best 4.499-second pass at 329.83 mph. As a result, he widened his lead in the Top Fuel standings to 190 points.

"This is just outstanding," said an ecstatic Schumacher afterwards. "We were able to present a nice 233rd birthday present to the U.S. Army and we were also able to send all of my family and friends home with smiles on their faces."

In getting past Fuller, Schumacher banked his 45th career win. He's now seven wins behind the all-time Top Fuel leader, Joe Amato, who compiled 52 wins.

Additionally, Schumacher is now tied with the late Dave Schultz for eighth on the all-time professional victory list.

"Without my great U.S. Army team and my great crew chief, Alan Johnson, I wouldn't be in the position I'm in right now," he said. "And, of course, the support I get from the U.S. Army and all of our brave Soldiers is incredible. If I make them happy, I've done my job."

Schumacher's road to his final round match up with Fuller started with a dramatic, tire-smoking driving effort over Bob Vandergriff, Jr. However, things got a bit easier later on with wins over Hillary Will and Doug Herbert, respectively.

"That first round was exciting for sure," he said. "I was holding on there at the end hoping he didn't go around me. Obviously, it did get better for us the rest of the day."

Through 10 races, Schumacher has put together his best start to a season. That includes his record-setting 2004 campaign when he won 10 national events.

"All I can say is wow," he said shaking his head in amazement. "I can only reiterate that I have the best team in the business. When you surround yourself with talented people, positive results usually happen."

Schumacher will now have a weekend off before hitting the track again, June 19-22, at Old Bridge Township (N.J.) Raceway Park for the Lucas Oil SuperNationals. He's never won a race in the Garden State.

"Hopefully, we can finally break through there this year," he offered. "If we can keep performing like we did here today, I really like our chances."

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