Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, aboard his U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, grabbed the second starting
position here Friday after the first day of qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd
International Raceway.
Schumacher's 3.926-second pass at 300.53 mph during the second session was just a bit
slower than the provisional pole sitter, Cory McClenathan, who is Schumacher's teammate.
"That was an outstanding effort by my guys," said the Chicago-area resident. "We posted
some real good runs today so we can go into tomorrow and Sunday with plenty of optimism."
This weekend Schumacher is pursuing his fourth victory of the season and his second
straight win in Brainerd.
"We'd love to get back to victory lane," he added. "It's been a while since were there
last (in Bristol). Getting a win or two between now and when the Countdown to One begins would be
huge."
Counting the Lucas Oil Nationals, only three races remain before the NHRA's playoffs
begin in Charlotte next month.
"Obviously, we're all pointing towards the Charlotte race," said the six-time world
champion. "We want to be running as good as we can by that time. In the end, we're looking to win
our sixth straight world championship."
