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INDIANAPOLIS - The season has not gone as planned thus far for Top Fuel standout Tony Schumacher. But all of that can change in an instant at this weekend's prestigious 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. It's a race that helped shape Schumacher's legacy of the winningest and most successful Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. As NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026, Schumacher's incredible success is a big part of it, from his eight world championships to his remarkable 10 victories at The Big Go. It is the most in NHRA history, as one of the sport's biggest stars has shined the brightest on the sport's biggest stage.
"I've been here in this position before where it just wasn't quite right and you're one decision or one little thing away from going fast," Schumacher said. "We'll get there and we've got a lot of smart guys on this team who have won a lot of races. We'll get it figured out. "I don't have another thought process but going and winning Indy. We tested after Brainerd and the car ran well. We made some big changes, but we're walking into (Indy) thinking we can win this race."
It is the last of 14 races in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series regular season, with the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs right around the corner. An epic U.S. Nationals is on tap as well, with special 75th anniversary highlights including:
• Appearances from NHRA legends Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, Kenny Bernstein, Joe Amato,
Shirley Muldowney, Larry Dixon, Darrell Gwynn and many more. Schumacher knows plenty about surreal moments at Indy. His Top Fuel debut came at The Big Go in 1996, advancing to the final round after qualifying 16th in the field, just seven days after getting his license. His first Indy win came in 2000, signaling a run of dominance on drag racing's grandest stage. He won eight times during that decade, with Schumacher's most recent Indy victory coming in 2026. An 11th U.S. Nationals victory would do wonders for a team and a season that's included just four round wins through 13 races.
But Schumacher knows a bit about Indy magic and never counts out the possibility of it happening again. "This is my 30th year of racing at Indy and it's such a special place," said Schumacher, who has an unprecedented 88 career Top Fuel victories. "It's done some special things for me. This is where it started. "A lot guys on my team are very young and I hope they understand this is part of the journey. If it wasn't so frustrating at times, the wins wouldn't be so amazing. The car went down the track three times in a row during testing (in Brainerd) and it went fast, so we're encouraged by that."
Six-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders won for the fourth time at Indy last year, getting her 50th career victory with a win over Matt Hartford. Dallas Glenn earned the regular season championship and went on to secure his first world title. With four wins, Greg Anderson currently has the points lead in the talent-heavy class. Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Gaige Herrera rolled to his second straight win at The Big Go by defeating Brayden Davis last year. Teammate and reigning champ Richard Gadson leads the points, while others to watch include Matt and Angie Smith, Steve Johnson, Ryan Oehler, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall and Chase Van Sant. Also competing will be drivers in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and Right Trailers Outlaw Street. As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family. NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 4, two rounds at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 5 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 12 and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 7. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 3 and 10:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets to the 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
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