Bristol: Tony Schumacher Friday notes

SCHUMACHER JUMPS INTO NUMBER ONE SPOT

BRISTOL, Tenn., May 16 - U.S. Army Top Fuel driver, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, claimed the provisional pole position here Friday after the opening day of qualifying for the O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. The defending NHRA POWERade world champion laid down a 4.502-second pass at 327.43 mph during the evening session to settle into the top spot going into final qualifying on Saturday.

"As usual, the U.S. Army team performed brilliantly," said Schumacher. "We were number one after the first run (with a 4.532-second pass at 327.59 mph) and then came back even better at night. You can't ask for anything more than that." With Armed Forces Day on tap for Saturday and Memorial Day looming next week, Schumacher's U.S. Army dragster is carrying a special Salute the Troops paint scheme this weekend in Thunder Valley.

"Without question we want to win this race for our hard working Soldiers," he added. "We owe them so much for protecting our freedom every day." The Chicago-area native is attempting to pocket his second pole of the season and the 49th of his career. Additionally, he's seeking his third pole at Bristol Dragway.

"We love coming here to Bristol," he said. "It's a beautiful area filled with plenty of race fans. They really support our series, which is nice to see." Schumacher came into the eighth race of the season holding first-place in the standings, 68 points up on second-place Antron Brown.

"We have definitely enjoyed being in first-place since we started in Pomona. The goal is stay right where we're at."

-credit: dsr