Commerce: Tony Schumacher Friday notes

SCHUMACHER SETTLES INTO SIXTH SPOT

COMMERCE, Ga., April 17 - Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, who pilots the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, grabbed the sixth starting position here Friday after the first day of qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

The six-time world champion posted a 3.884-second pass at 309.98 mph in the afternoon session and appeared to be on a better run in round two before his engine let go near the top end of the track.

"Man, we were really hauling the mail in that evening session but unfortunately it just didn't hold together for us," said Schumacher. "We'll come back tomorrow to take another swing at it."

Schumacher, who has not qualified worse than sixth this season, is looking for his third straight win after visiting victory lane in Houston and Las Vegas, respectively. He arrived in Georgia holding the points lead.

"And, it's our intention to stay on top," he added. "My U.S. Army team is really working hard. I like how things are going right now."

On Sunday, the Chicago-area resident will also be trying to secure his first career win at Atlanta Dragway.

"I definitely want to get a Southern Nationals trophy to put on my shelf at home," he said. "This race has so much history. I consider it one of the bigger races on the schedule."

-credit: dsr