Tony Schumacher Prepared For Victory Circle At Seattle

Schumacher Ready For Final Step

After posting two straight final round appearances, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher will be looking for a fourth win light to surface here this Sunday in the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Schumacher, who lost in the finals the last two weekends at both Denver and Sonoma, Calif., respectively, is anxious to close the deal on his first victory of the season.

"We have been so close," said the seven-time world champion. "The car has been running really strong in recent weeks, but we just can't seem to get over that last hurdle. Maybe, it will finally be our turn this weekend."

Tony Schumacher, U.S. Army Dragster

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

At both Bandimere Speedway and Infineon Raceway, Schumacher was taken out by his Don Schumacher Racing teammates, Spencer Massey and Antron Brown. Brown is also his U.S. Army Racing teammate.

"I guess if you are going to lose to someone in the finals, it might as well be to one of your teammates," said Schumacher. "But, rest assured, we are going to keep attacking until we take care of business. Our Army Strong Soldiers never quit, so we won't either."

Holding fifth-place in the standings, Schumacher wants to see continued improvement as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series closes in on the Countdown to 1.

"There are three races to go before the playoffs," he said. "We already have a guaranteed spot (he clinched after a first round win over Steve Chrisman last Sunday). Now, we need to climb the ladder as much as we can before it all begins."

The Chicago-area resident is only 16 points behind Larry Dixon in fourth and 40 points removed from Brown in third.

"I think we even have a shot at Spencer, who is currently in second," said Schumacher.

"Again, the idea is to be as close to the leader as possible when that six-race Countdown starts. Then, you can get after it."

Schumacher would definitely like to get after it at Pacific Raceways, a track he has seemingly mastered over the years. He has totaled four wins in six final rounds since 2004.

"I love that place," he said. "With the towering trees that surround the track, we are able to make some good power. I'm looking forward to getting up there."

By: don schumacher racing