Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Indianapolis, Ind.
(August 27-September 1)
EVENT HOME
Tickets
Event schedule
Results
Team Reports
Audio Broadcast
ND staff blog
Photo Galleries
Video highlights
Entry List
Driver Appearances
 Driver Profile |
Tony Schumacher
U.S. Army dragster |
Despite posting a 3.929-second pass at 307.16 mph, Schumacher found himself on the outside looking in heading into the final day of qualifying on Sunday.
"We ended up 14th on the charts today, but they only carry over the top 12 times into Sunday," he explained. "With that said, as long as we're in the top 16 by the end of the day tomorrow, that's all that will matter. If you're anywhere in the 16-car field, you have a shot to win."
Schumacher and his U.S. Army team have battled a hot track surface for two days. With warmer temperatures expected for the final qualifying rounds, conditions might get more challenging.
"We'll just do what we have to do," added the five-time world champion. "Failure is never an option for this team. Ultimately, we want to grab a solid spot in the field and then we can get after it on race day."
Schumacher, who has six U.S. Nationals victories to his credit, is just two short of tying Don Garlits' Top Fuel event record of eight wins.
"We'll see how it shakes out," he said. "First, I'd like to see us get down the track tomorrow in easy fashion and then we can think about Monday. There's no question that we want to win another Indy. It's our biggest race of the year and everyone wants that trophy."
Schumacher arrived at the U.S. Nationals carrying a 526-point lead in the Top Fuel standings over Antron Brown. This weekend he's also chasing the single season victory record as well as the most consecutive wins record.
E-mail this article
Print this articleReturn to Team Reports Archive
Return to the Home Page