Wed, 14 Nov 2001, 12:10 PM "The Sarge," Darrell Russell Hitch a Ride

Courtesy of Chris Dirato With U.S. Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team

PERRIS, Calif. -- With a day off between the end of the 2001 NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series season at Pomona Raceway on Sunday and Monday night’s post-season awards ceremony at Universal Studios, Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher and Darrell Russell figured they might as well find something exciting to do.

Schumacher and Russell

Schumacher, who drives the United States Army Top Fuel dragster, and Russell, who pilots Amato Racing’s Top Fuel dragster, joined up with the United States Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team here at the Perris Valley Skydiving School for a tandem skydiving session.

Each driver jumped from a plane at 12,500 feet securely harnessed to a Golden Knights team member, then performed a free fall and parachute-aided landing. It was the first time either driver had performed the feat.

“I’ve done some static-line jumping before, but never this,” said an enthusiastic Schumacher as he walked away from the landing zone. “It was awesome. What a tremendous feeling. I didn’t know what to expect until we actually left the plane, but once we got out there, it was unbelievable. Of course, I’m thankful I had the best parachute team in the world to help me along.”

Schumacher hits the landing.

“That first step out of the plane was wild, but once we got out in the wind, it was unbelievable,” added Russell, who sported a broad smile as he strolled back to his waiting family. “I have to be honest -- as we were about to jump out of the plane, I kind of questioned whether I really wanted to do this. But, I got over that real quick. You could really feel the free fall and when the chute opened, it was a bit of a jolt. I had a great time and I’m grateful to Tony, the Army and the Golden Knights for including me in the jump. What a way to spend a day off!”