Memphis: Schumacher ready for points battle to continue

Park Ridge, Ill. (Oct. 3): Tony Schumacher knows it's time for his team to show their championship form. He also knows that time is running out as the NHRA Winston Drag Racing season winds to a close. The 13th Annual AutoZone Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tennessee will be where Schumacher expects to make his run at his second consecutive Top Fuel title.

"Early in the year, you can look at many of the rounds and say 'We can make it up down the road,'" said Schumacher, "now it's that time of the season when there is no 'down the road'; it's time to get the job done or wait until next year."

"This U.S. Army team plans on getting the job done."

Schumacher comes to the AutoZone Nationals only 49 points out of first place, behind Gary Scelzi. Schumacher is only two and a half rounds of racing behind Scelzi, but it is critical that he not let Scelzi extend his lead.

"What we almost need is for us to meet in the first or second round," said Schumacher, "that would put a lot of cards on the table."

At last year's race, Schumacher already had the points lead and momentum that eventually carried him to his first NHRA Championship. Schumacher went to the semifinals twice and won once, in the last four races in 1999.

Qualifying for the AutoZone Nationals is scheduled for Friday, Oct 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7. Final eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8. ESPN2 will televise the AutoZone Nationals. Check local listings for times.