Piloting his U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher pocketed the second starting
position here Friday after the first day of qualifying for the United Association Route 66
Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.
Schumacher's 3.848-second pass in the opening session was just short of Antron Brown's
3.826-second run in round two, which was good enough for the provisional pole.
"We were on top there for a bit today, but Antron just got by us at the end," said
Schumacher. "We'll try to get back around him tomorrow."
Schumacher, who is racing near his Chicago-area home, will take to the track at 1 p.m.
and 4 p.m. CDT on Saturday. He'll be seeking his first pole of the season.
"As good as we've been running, it's kind of hard to believe we haven't been number one
yet this year," he said. "But, to be honest, race day is when it counts the most. We want to get
another win here at Route 66 Raceway."
Schumacher has three wins and a final round appearance to his credit at the first true
stadium of drag racing. Among his three wins was the 2008 race.
"I love this place," added the six-time world champion. "And, it's exciting to have my
family and friends in the stands. Hopefully, we can all gather in victory lane come late Sunday
afternoon."
