"THE SARGE" COLLECTS SECOND WIN OF THE YEAR |
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Topics: Tony Schumacher, AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals
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U.S. Army Racing
May 2, 2010
MADISON, Ill., May 2, 2010 - U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher captured his second victory of the season here Sunday in the AAA Insurance Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway.
Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, defeated Doug Kalitta in the finals with a 3.849-second pass at 317.87 mph.
"That one was for our Army Strong Soldiers," said Schumacher. "It's been a while since we visited victory lane. We owed our brave men and women a trophy."
Schumacher's last win came in March - at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. Subsequent to that race, he failed to advance beyond the second round over the next three events.
"We were overdue to have a productive day," said the Chicago-area resident. "After the Las Vegas race a couple of weeks ago, we stayed over and tested and it paid off big-time. Typically, when we have a positive test like we had in Vegas, we go on to win the next race."
Prior to taking out Kalitta, Schumacher had to beat the likes of Scott Palmer, Pat Dakin and Larry Dixon. Against Dixon, who leads the points, Schumacher laid down a 3.863-second run at 305.29 mph despite not having lane choice.
"That was a huge round win right there," said Schumacher. "They're a great team and you have to be on your game to have a chance of beating them. The guys dug down deep for that one."
With his 63rd career win, Schumacher was able to move up a spot in the standings to fourth. He's six points out of third and less than three rounds of racing removed from his Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Cory McClenathan, in second.
"We have a long way to go," offered Schumacher. "We just have to stay focused and good things will continue to happen for us. Ultimately, we're looking to claim another world title. We're very determined, just like our Army Strong Soldiers."
While Schumacher was securing his second career win at Gateway International Raceway, his U.S. Army Racing teammate, Antron Brown, was in struggle mode.
Brown, who drives the Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster, was able to beat McClenathan in a first round tire-smoking affair, but he was not as fortunate against Kalitta in the quarterfinals. With his early departure, Brown dropped from fourth to fifth in the standings.
Both Schumacher and Brown will take a weekend off for Mother's Day before heading to Atlanta Dragway in Commerce Ga., May 14-16, for the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.
On the U.S. Army NASCAR Racing side, Ryan Newman, in the No. 39 Army Medicine Chevrolet, finished eighth at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night. He will now head for Darlington (S.C.) Raceway next Saturday night.
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