Championship Drag Racing

Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Indianapolis
(Sept. 5-7)

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Tony Schumacher U.S. Army Top Fueler

Reports: Sunday Saturday Friday

Capturing his third Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in four years, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher stole the spotlight at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

The driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster became the fourth driver in the 49-year history of the U.S. Nationals to win the event more than twice.

After posting low 4.50-second passes in the first three rounds of eliminations, Schumacher and his crew chief, Alan Johnson, saved the best for last.

The Chicago native recorded a lightning quick 4.498-second run at 328.54 mph to beat Darrell Russell for the title. It became his career best elapsed time.

"This is unbelievable to win Indy for the second straight year and the third time in my career - it's real special," said Schumacher. "I can't say enough about this Army team. We were bound and determined to come here and perform well. We were coming off that tough loss in the finals at Brainerd (Minn.) two weeks ago and did not want to settle for second this time around. I can't wait for the race in Reading (Pa.) next weekend."

Schumacher now has nine career victories and two in 2003. He also won at Chicago in May. With the win over Russell, he's now but 44 points out of third-place in the Top Fuel standings.

Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, who has won the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals twice in the last three years, had two solid passes on Saturday, with his best a 4.550-second jaunt at 324.20 mph. He will take on 11th-place qualifier, John Smith, in the opening round of action. Schumacher ended up sixth in the Top Fuel order.

"The car was great today," said the Chicago resident. "We ran almost identical numbers ­ in the mid 4.50's ­ and that's a good way to go into race day. Alan Johnson (his crew chief) has this Army car humming. I can't wait to get started tomorrow."

Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher posted a 4.534-second pass at 322.50 mph to remain fourth in the Top Fuel order entering tomorrow's final two qualifying runs.

"It was a terrific run," said the defending Mac Tools U.S. Nationals champion.

"We kept all of the cylinders lit and went straight down the track. That's all you can ask for. We'll dial the car in some more tomorrow and get prepared for Sunday's eliminations."