Goodyear: Schumacher, Pedregon and Johnson take the victories in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 7, 2013) – Tony Schumacher highlighted the professional drivers who raced to victory on Goodyear tires at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Tony Schumacher

Photo by: NHRA

“We experienced the hottest track temperatures of the season this weekend,” said Goodyear’s Bryce Jones. “The highest I noticed was 124 degrees. But our Goodyear Eagles performed well under difficult conditions.”

The victory was the 71st career win for Schumacher, who has advanced to the final round in three of the first four races this season.

“I don’t know that we had the best car here this weekend,” the seven-time Top Fuel champ said. “We had a good car.”

It was good enough to beat Antron Brown, Schumacher’s teammate and the defending Top Fuel champion, in the final round. The win bumped Schumacher into the standings lead, dropping Brown to second.

Pedregon noted the conditions, saying, “This was our first hot track since, I’d say, probably back to Indy (at the end of August).”

Pedregon beat Courtney Force in the Funny Car finals. He said, “I’ve won races a lot of different ways. My team’s quick turnaround (between rounds) amazed me.”

Force used the runner up finish to take points lead. Johnny Gray is second and Pedregon is third.

Johnson won the K&N Challenge Saturday and then took Sunday’s win, a double up in drag racing parlance. The Challenge was worth $50,000 and the double up won him an additional $25,000.

“I’ve come to love this place,” Johnson said. He added, “We maintained lane choice all the way through eliminations,” which he said was a key to his win.

Johnson beat Erica Enders-Stevens in the final round. Allen Johnson leads the Pro Stock standings. Edwards is second, followed by Jeg Coughlin.

Goodyear Racing