U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher held on to the second starting position here
Saturday following final qualifying for tomorrow's United Association Route 66 Nationals here at
Route 66 Raceway.
Schumacher posted a 3.836-second pass at 311.99 mph in session number four and in the
process clinched his fourth straight top three starting spot.
"That was a pretty impressive run," said Schumacher. "We actually got knocked down to
third by Larry Dixon right before we ran, but we came back with an Army Strong type of effort.
We're ready to go racing on Sunday."
The Chicago-area resident will take on 15th-place qualifier, Terry Haddock, in the
first round of eliminations beginning at 11 a.m. CDT. Schumacher and Haddock will be meeting in
round one for the second time in the last three races.
"We've had a good last couple of days, but we're going to have to get into race mode
now," added the defending world champion. "We'll wipe the slate clean and come back tomorrow
focused on Terry Haddock."
Schumacher arrived at his home track clutching the Top Fuel points lead over Antron
Brown, who claimed the pole. He's determined to drive home Sunday night still leading the standings
while carrying another event trophy.
"That's the plan," said Schumacher, who is a three-time winner at Route 66 Raceway. "My
U.S. Army dragster is really performing well at the moment. We'd like to go deep into the day
tomorrow."
As is always the case when Schumacher competes at Route 66 Raceway, he'll have plenty
of support in the stands given a large contingent of family and friends.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to stage one huge victory party for them," he said.
