If U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher was a mathematics specialist, he surely
would note the numbers zero, one and nine heading into this weekend's O'Reilly Summer Nationals
here at Heartland Park Topeka.
"For sure, each of those numbers has special meaning," said the defending world
champion.
As it happens, the number one carries the most importance for Schumacher as he
currently holds first-place in the standings, while the number nine (as in ninth race) represents
the halfway point of the Countdown to 10 segment of the NHRA's Full Throttle Countdown to the
Championship.
But, it's when the discussion turns to the number zero that pushes Schumacher's blood pressure into
the abnormal range.
"That number is connected to me having never won a race at Heartland Park," offered the
Chicago-area resident. "Along with Atlanta Dragway, Heartland Park has been a thorn in my side for
a long time."
Unlike Atlanta Dragway where he has a couple of final rounds to his credit, Schumacher
has never been past the semifinals in the Sunflower State.
"For some reason, it's been a tough track for me," he said. "And, I really can't
explain why it's been that way for all of these years. Perhaps, this time around might be
different."
With summer-like temperatures expected this weekend in Topeka, Schumacher knows a good
hot weather tune up will be critical for his U.S. Army dragster if he's to hit victory lane for a
fourth time in 2009.
"Mike Green (his crew chief) and the guys will be prepared," he added. "They've already
proven how much they're like our Army Strong Soldiers. They have a never quit attitude and an
intense drive to be successful."
Schumacher will enter the O'Reilly Summer Nationals looking to pad his 45-point lead on
Antron Brown in the standings.
"The Top Fuel class is ultra competitive this year," he said. "We'll have to be on our
toes every weekend if we're going to challenge for another title."
