U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher admits to being a one-race-at-a-time kind of
guy, but clearly there's one date on the schedule that always gets his utmost attention.
"Without question, I look forward to when the tour hits Route 66 Raceway," said the
six-time world champion. "I live a little over an hour away from the place, so I'm happy to be
playing the proverbial home game."
As in years past, Schumacher will have plenty of family and friends on hand when the
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series chugs into Route 66 Raceway this weekend for the United
Association Route 66 Nationals.
"You can count on that," he added. "Even though I have a lot of people pulling at me
all of the time, it's a fun time. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Coming off a quarterfinal round loss in Topeka, Kan. last weekend, Schumacher could
probably use a little change of scenery. He heads for his home track holding a 43-point lead over
Antron Brown in the Top Fuel standings.
"We were disappointed we didn't go more rounds last Sunday," he said. "However, a new
race weekend is forthcoming and we're going to try to get back in the win column. You can't dwell
on the past. You can only to deal with what's right in front of you.
"As always, we want to win for our Army Strong Soldiers. We take great pride in
representing those brave men and women who are protecting our freedom and way of life."
Schumacher hopes history will dictate the kind of performance he has on Sunday. Since
2003, he's recorded three wins and a final round at what's been called the first true stadium of
drag racing.
"We've managed to do well there," he offered. "I would say most of the drivers really
love racing at Route 66 Raceway. It's a state-of-the-art facility with an excellent track surface."
