For the fourth time in five races, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher dropped a
close quarterfinal round race here Sunday in the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International
Raceway.
Schumacher was taken out by his former U.S. Army Racing teammate, Antron Brown, by a
miniscule four-thousandths of a second.
Brown and Schumacher left the starting line around the same time and the latter had a
slight edge at half-track, but Brown arrived at the finish line just ahead of the six-time world
champion.
"All I can say is wow," said Schumacher. "What a great drag race that was. Of course,
we're disappointed we didn't advance, but that truly was an exciting show for the fans."
After posting a solid first round victory over David Grubnic, Schumacher eagerly
awaited the match up with Brown, who holds the Top Fuel points lead. However, the win light never
came on for the Chicago-area resident.
"Let me stress my team has nothing to be ashamed of," offered Schumacher. "We put forth
our best effort, just like our Army Strong Soldiers do on a daily basis. We're going to go to
Reading (Pa.) next weekend looking to get a trophy."
The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series moves to Maple Grove Raceway, August 20-23,
for the Toyo Tires Nationals. Schumacher has four career wins at the historic facility.
"We've had plenty of success at Maple Grove in recent years, so we'll be hoping that
translates into a victory next Sunday."
Clearly lost in the day's activities at Brainerd was Schumacher banking his 700th
career round of racing following his win over Grubnic.
"I guess that's a milestone of sorts," he said. "But, as everyone knows, I'm only about
the team winning races. So, it's really just a number to me."
Two races remain before the Countdown to One commences in Charlotte next month.
Schumacher has already clinched a spot in the playoffs.
