For the third straight year, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, has been
nominated for the ESPY Best Driver Award.
The ESPY Awards, which are distributed for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, was
created by ESPN in 1993. Beginning today through July 11 at 11:59 p.m., fans can vote for
Schumacher online at http://www.espys.tv
The ESPYs will be hosted by Samuel L. Jackson on Wednesday, July 15, at the Nokia
Theatre in Los Angeles. The awards show will be televised by ESPN on Sunday, July 19, at 9 p.m. ET.
"It's an incredible feeling to be recognized by the ESPY folks for the third
consecutive year," said Schumacher, a six-time world champion. "I'm hopeful we can finally present
this award to our Army Strong Soldiers. It's their dedication, teamwork and passion that inspires
the U.S. Army Top Fuel team to be successful."
Joining the Chicago-area resident on the ESPY Best Driver ballot is NASCAR driver
Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, as well as IRL pilots Helio Castroneves and Scott
Dixon.
"That's a bunch of talented drivers," added Schumacher. "As in years past, I'm honored
to be included in such an elite group."
No drag racer has ever won the ESPY Best Driver Award. In addition to Schumacher, other
NHRA drivers to be nominated over the years included John Force, Tony Pedregon, Greg Anderson and
Melanie Troxel.
"Maybe, the third time will be the charm for me," offered Schumacher.
Having won five consecutive world titles, Schumacher presently holds second-place in
the Top Fuel standings as the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series hits the halfway point of the
2009 season this weekend at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
