Brainerd: Schumacher captures first career pole

Brainerd, Minn. (August 18): Tony Schumacher and his Exide Batteries teammates came to the Colonel's Truck Accessories NHRA Nationals to prove that they were not out of the hunt for the 2000 Winston Top Fuel title.

They have accomplished half of their goal as Schumacher recorded his first career No. 1 qualifying position. Schumacher's Friday night, 4.587 second run was good enough to keep the reigning Winston Champion at the top of the field for final eliminations.

Schumacher started the day with a conservative pass of 4.745 seconds at 307.51 mph. "We hoped to run a little quicker, but we were just off of the tune-up," said Schumacher.

A lengthy oil cleanup delayed the final qualifying session and left competitors with a tricky left lane. Team Exide watched intently as car after car smoked their tires and had trouble negotiating the Northern Minnesota track. Schumacher again proved the power of his Dan Olson tune-up as he motored down the track with a 4.670 e.t. at 317.64 mph, which was again the best of the session.

"We really wanted this one," said Schumacher, "when you sit and watch all those cars ahead of you smoke their tires, it makes you wonder about your own setup."

"This just shows what a great team we have and how Dan (Olson) can work his magic on tough tracks. "

"I am really happy for the guys. They deserved this last year."

Schumacher will face fellow Chicagoan, Chris Karamesines, in the first round of Sunday's final eliminations. Karamesines qualified No. 16 with a 5.130 e.t.. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin at 10am.