U.S. Army Top Fuel pilot Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher grabbed the third starting position here
Saturday following final qualifying for tomorrow's Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
Schumacher, who is the defending event champion, will take on 14th-place qualifier,
Terry Haddock, in the first round of eliminations beginning at 12 noon ET.
"We're looking forward to the challenge," said the Chicago-area resident. "Terry will
be a tough opponent, but we'll be ready for him."
Schumacher and Haddock will be squaring off for the second time this season. The former
collected a first round victory in Las Vegas last month.
"He's gotten down the track despite some slick conditions the last couple of days,"
added Schumacher. "Of course, we're all going to be adjusting on race day if the weather turns out
like the forecasters predict."
After dealing with 80 degree air temperatures and high humidity during final
qualifying, crew chiefs will likely have to set their cars up to accommodate 60 degree temperatures
along with low humidity on Sunday.
"If the cold front moves through tonight as they expect, all of the crew chiefs are
going to really earn their money tomorrow," said Schumacher. "Needless to say, I have the utmost
confidence in my guy (Mike Green). He has plenty of experience."
Schumacher will be targeting his third victory of the season, while focusing on a
return trip to the top of the standings.
"With Armed Forces Day being celebrated today and Memorial Day coming up next weekend,
our Soldiers clearly deserve a win," he added.
