NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

An argument could be made that Rick Ware Racing is best positioned for Top Fuel success at the world’s biggest drag race, this weekend’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

After all, they have the defending race winner, Clay Millican, who stormed to his first career victory at the Big Go a year ago. Plus, the race marks the debut of Tony Schumacher for Rick Ware Racing, and the eight-time Top Fuel world champion knows quite a bit about Indy success.

Top Fuel’s winningest driver is also the most successful driver in NHRA history on drag racing’s grandest stage, winning the U.S. Nationals an incredible 10 times. The most recent came in 2016, so Schumacher is eager to get back to the winner’s circle. Doing so in his 2025 debut for RWR would be a remarkable story, but Schumacher often tends to have a flair for the dramatic on the sport’s biggest stage.

More than anything, though, Schumacher is eager and excited to race in his American Communications Construction for the first time for RWR, especially at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.

“The U.S. Nationals has always been special to me, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to Indy with Rick Ware Racing and American Communications Construction,” Schumacher said. “I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible moments at this event over the years, and getting back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster at the Big Go in front of the most passionate fans in all of motorsports means a lot. It’s the biggest race of the season, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Last year’s Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals had Austin Prock (Funny Car), Millican (Top Fuel), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claim victories in a winner’s circle that featured four first-time Indy winners. This year’s race will once again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, with Monday’s eliminations broadcast on FOX beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series — and the last race before the Countdown to the Championship playoffs — and plenty is on the line during the loaded weekend, including the regular-season championship across the four Professional categories. Top Fuel's Shawn Langdon currently leads Tony Stewart and Doug Kalitta by 45 and 51 points, respectively, with $150,000 on the line this weekend.

Schumacher won’t factor into that this weekend, but he is part of a loaded field in Indy that also includes reigning world champ Antron Brown, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence, and, of course, Millican, who enjoyed a dream weekend at the Big Go last year. He’s excited to have Schumacher join the mix in Indy and is hopeful he can go back-to-back in Indy as he heads to the race fresh off a final-round appearance in Brainerd.

“Winning the U.S. Nationals last year was one of the proudest moments of my career,” Millican said. “It’s the race every driver wants to win, and to go back to Indy as the defending champ is really special.

“Having Tony Schumacher join the team makes it even better. He’s a part of NHRA history, and to have someone with his knowledge and experience is a huge asset. Two sets of inputs, two perspectives — it makes RWR stronger, and I’m excited for what we can accomplish together.”

That has Schumacher focused on a big finish and an eye toward the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season in 2026. Before that, though, the man with the most Indy victories would love to add another spectacular moment to his illustrious Indy legacy.

“These last seven races are a great opportunity for us to build something strong for 2026,” said Schumacher, who has 88 Top Fuel wins. “It’s about getting everyone dialed in — learning, improving, and laying the foundation for next year."

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 29, two rounds at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Aug. 31 at noon and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 1.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at noon on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult.