Tony Schumacher Reading Friday report

BROWN ON PROVISIONAL POLE AT MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY SCHUMACHER SLIDES INTO SEVENTH

Tony Schumacher, U.S. Army Dragster

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

MOHNTON, Pa., Sept. 30, 2011 - U.S. Army NHRA Top Fuel drivers Antron Brown and Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher ended up first and seventh, respectively, following the opening day of qualifying here Friday for the Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Brown posted a 3.797-second pass at 324.44 mph in the second session and thus moved into contention for his third pole of the season and the 29th of his career.

"That was a great performance by my guys today," said Brown. "We went out and did what we had to do. We're trying to get every point we can in an effort to get back up into first- place in the standings."

Brown, who had a three-race winning streak broken in the semifinals at the Texas Motorplex last weekend by his Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Spencer Massey, arrived in the Keystone State holding second in the standings, seven points in back of Massey.

"It's a tight deal right now," said the New Jersey native. "We have to approach every lap with equal importance be it in qualifying or in final eliminations. There's a lot of racing still remaining."

While Brown was marching to the number one spot, Schumacher, in his U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, had to settle for a top half of the field spot after a 3.846-second pass at 319.37 mph.

"We took a big swing at it in the night session when it was cooler, but the car just wouldn't stick," said the seven-time world champion. "We're going to be fine. The Army team will come back strong again tomorrow."

Schumacher, who is a four-time winner at Maple Grove Raceway, is still looking of his first victory of the year.

"We have not given up by any means," he said. "Our Army Strong Soldiers never give up, so that's how we roll as well. We're going to come out on Sunday and take our best shots at everyone."