SCHUMACHER BEATEN BY DIXON IN QUARTERFINALS |
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Topics: Tony Schumacher, Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals
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U.S. Army Racing
July 25, 2010
MORRISON, Colo., July 25, 2010 - U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher dropped a quarterfinal round race here Sunday to points leader Larry Dixon in the MOPAR Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
Schumacher's 4.005-second run at 292.01 mph was slightly slower than Dixon's 3.966-second pass at 301.94 mph. It was the seventh time in 10 meetings this season that Dixon has gotten the best of Schumacher.
"We left the starting line together, but then my car lost a cylinder or two and Larry was able to get past me," said a disappointed Schumacher afterwards. "The guys really worked their tails off this weekend. It's a shame we're not taking a trophy home from the Western Swing."
The MOPAR Mile-High Nationals marked the end of the NHRA's annual three-race Western Swing which also stopped in Seattle and Sonoma, Calif. Schumacher posted a final round appearance at Infineon Raceway a week ago.
"We definitely had our ups and downs on this trip," said the defending world champion. "We have one more race to establish some consistency which we'll need once the Countdown to 1 starts."
Following a visit to Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway the middle of next month, Schumacher will then set his sights on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis during Labor Day weekend, which is the first of six races in the NHRA's playoffs.
"We're going to take some time off over the next couple of weeks and then go out and try to win the race in Brainerd," offered the Chicago-area resident. "We'd like to go into Indy coming off a win.
"We're definitely in this for the long haul. Our Army Strong Soldiers constantly show how determined they are to succeed. There's no question that's us as well."
Following Schumacher as a quarterfinal round loser on Sunday was Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster driver, Anton Brown. The New Jersey native, who had qualified number one, was taken out by Brandon Bernstein.
Brown, who will also make the trip to Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway next month for the 17th race of the season, will be either fourth or fifth in the points pending the outcome of the MOPAR Mile-High Nationals. Schumacher will retain second-place in the standings.
At press time over in the U.S. Army NASCAR Racing camp, driver Ryan Newman was holding 28th place - two laps down - at lap 120 of 160 in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newman will head for Pocono (Pa.) Raceway next Sunday for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.
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