Sat, 1 Dec 2007, 08:34 AM Schumacher in Contention for Post-Season Honors

Courtesy of Chris Dirato Photo copyright 2007 Auto Imagery, Inc. Wants to Make Holiday Season Special for the Soldiers

CHICAGO --

Tony Schumacher

After capturing his fourth straight NHRA POWERade world championship earlier this month, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher would like nothing better than to make the holiday season even more special for the hard-working men and women of the U.S. Army.

Last Monday, the Chicago-area resident was selected as a nominee for the 2007 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team, while on Thursday he was named a finalist for the prestigious Economaki Champion of Champions Award.

"We win races for our soldiers, we win world championships for our soldiers and we accept awards for our soldiers," said Schumacher. "Rest assured that any trophies that may come our way in the next couple of weeks will be dedicated to the men and women who are protecting our freedom every day. Without them, we're all nowhere -- plain and simple."

Schumacher is looking to become a five-time AARWBA All-America. Last year, he not only secured a spot on the All-America Team, but also pocketed the organization's Jerry Titus Award which recognizes the Driver of the Year.

"That was so huge for everyone, including the U.S. Army," he said. "Maybe, we can do it again this year."

The All-America Team and the Jerry Titus Award winner will be revealed at AARWBA's annual awards banquet on January 12 in Indianapolis.

The fifth annual Economaki Champion of Champions Award will be presented on December 6 in Orlando, Fla. at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show.

Schumacher, who claimed the 2005 Champion of Champions Award, is one of 10 contenders for the '07 award which is presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel and National Speed Sport News.

Other finalists include Sebastian Bourdais (Champ Car World Series), Jerry Coons, Jr. (USAC National Midget Series), Dario Franchitti (IndyCar Series), Steve Francis (World of Outlaws Late Model Series), Jon Fogarty/Alex Gurney (Grand-Am Rolex Series), Ron Hornaday, Jr. (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series), Jimmie Johnson (NASCAR Nextel Cup Series), Joey Logano (NASCAR Busch East Series) and Donny Schatz (World of Outlaws Sprint Series).

"Like with the All-America Team, it's an honor to just be considered for the Champion of Champions Award," said Schumacher. "If I'm lucky enough to win it again, it's all because of my team's never-say-die attitude. With their backs against the wall at the last race, they responded yet again. Failure was never an option for them."