After enduring a lengthy rain delay that pushed qualifying well into the late evening hours, U.S.
Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher grabbed the third starting position here Friday
following the initial day of action for the MOPAR Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
Schumacher's 3.897-second pass at 311.77 mph during the second session was just off the
pace set by Cory McClenathan and Antron Brown, respectively.
"That was an outstanding effort," said the six-time world champion. "Of course, all of
the times posted here today and then again tomorrow won't mean very much since we'll be racing
during the day on Sunday."
While the four qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday were scheduled for late
afternoon and early evening, final eliminations will begin at 12 noon MT on Sunday.
"It's going to be a whole different ball game," he added. "Obviously, having a good hot
weather tune up is going to be critical."
This weekend Schumacher is attempting to regain the top spot in the standings which is
currently held by Brown.
"We'd love to get back up there," said the Chicago-area resident. "I'm looking for us
to have success here at Bandimere. The car is really starting to come around, which is nice to
see."
Schumacher is the defending MOPAR Mile-High Nationals champion.
