Seattle: Goodyear Racing final report

SCHUMACHER, BECKMAN, CONNOLLY WIN AT SEATTLE

SEATTLE, Wash. (July 22, 2007) -- Tony Schumacher, Jack Beckman and Dave Connolly won their categories in the rain-shadowed Schuck's Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways today.

The POWERade professional categories were the only cars to race to a completion as the wet conditions made things difficult. The Lucas Oil Sportsman racers will run their elimination rounds at a later date.

The winning cars were all on Goodyear tires.

The Top Fuel final round was a thriller, as Schumacher edged Brandon Bernstein by .004 of a second, less than two feet, at the finish line. Rod Fuller, the points leader, clinched a spot in the NHRA's Countdown to the Championship.

Beckman's Funny Car win came at the expense of 14-time champion John Force. The victory was the second straight for Beckman. Ron Capps, who leads the points, clinched a berth in the Countdown. Force, by virtue of winning three rounds, moved up to eighth in the Funny Car standings. Only the top eight drivers will be eligible for the championship when the Countdown begins near the end of the season.

Connolly beat Allen Johnson in the Pro Stock final and also locked himself into the Countdown. Greg Anderson and Jeg Coughlin had already secured Countdown positions.

-credit: www.racegoodyear.com