Brainerd: Tony Schumacher Friday notes

SCHUMACHER JUMPS INTO NUMBER ONE SPOT

BRAINERD, Minn., August 8 - Handling the controls of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher pocketed the provisional number one starting spot here Friday after the first day of qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

The Top Fuel point leader recorded a 3.864-second pass at 312.21 mph during the evening session and in the process put himself in a position to possibly have a bye run in the first round of eliminations on race day.

"With only 15 cars on the grounds this weekend, if you're the number one guy that means you're definitely going to the quarterfinals," said the five-time world champion. "We certainly want to stay right where we're at."

Schumacher, who is coming off a sweep of the three-race "Western Swing," is challenging for his fourth straight pole in Brainerd. He's totaled four poles so far this year.

"There's no question we're running real well at the moment," he added. "We'd like to keep it that way as we close out the regular season and head into the Countdown to One."

Counting the Lucas Oil Nationals, there are three races remaining before the playoffs begin in Charlotte, N.C. the middle of next month.

"We're all targeting that first race in Charlotte," he said. "And, we better be ready for an even more intense battle because the points will be reset. It will be game on, that's for sure."

Schumacher, who has already clinched the top seed for the Countdown to One, will be vying for his third career win in Minnesota come Sunday.

"This is a great place to race at," he related. "The fans really support us here. We'd love to claim another victory this weekend."

-credit: dsr