{"id":22106,"date":"2018-10-02T05:19:12","date_gmt":"2018-10-02T10:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=22106"},"modified":"2018-10-02T05:28:18","modified_gmt":"2018-10-02T10:28:18","slug":"top-fuels-tony-schumacher-stays-focused-on-racing-at-a-high-level-at-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2018\/10\/02\/top-fuels-tony-schumacher-stays-focused-on-racing-at-a-high-level-at-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Fuel\u2019s Tony Schumacher stays focused on racing at a high level at AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/em><\/p>\n

ENNIS, Texas \u2013 After 500 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series<\/a> races, 84 wins and eight world championships, Tony Schumacher\u2019s<\/strong> mindset has stayed the same. The longtime Top Fuel standout remains focused on greatness and that\u2019s an attitude that will continue to drive him as the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship hits the halfway point at this weekend\u2019s 33rd annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals<\/strong> at Texas Motorplex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Tony Schumacher. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

The third of six playoff races comes at a location where Schumacher has won a Top Fuel-best six times in his 10,000-horsepower U.S. Army dragster. The most recent of those wins was 2014 when Schumacher also claimed his most recent championship, something he would love to replicate as he tries to track down Steve Torrence, who currently holds a 121-point lead on the veteran.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe fastest in every qualifying session, win every round on Sunday, then move on to the next race and repeat,\u201d Schumacher said of his mindset. \u201cThat\u2019s never going to change. We don\u2019t want to compromise our desire to be the best we can be every run down the track by dreaming up scenarios that, for the most part, are out of our control, anyway. This is a momentum sport, like so many others are, and we need to swing the pendulum back in our favor and take care of business over these final four Countdown events. If we do that, the championship would take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Tony Schumacher. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock), and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year\u2019s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and FOX Sports 2 (FS2), including live final eliminations coverage on FS2 starting at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 7. It is the third of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the 21st of 24th in a 2018 NHRA season that has included one win and five finals for Schumacher.<\/p>\n

But he is still aiming for the spectacular to close out the season. He lost to Torrence in the final round to open the playoffs, but a second-round loss at the most recent race in St. Louis widened the gap between Schumacher and Torrence, the Texan who is seeking his first world title. But an impressive ability to make up ground and come up big in pressure situations has always been part of Schumacher\u2019s DNA, and he\u2019s eager to see how these next three races unfold.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mindset of our U.S. Army team is the same it\u2019s been since we started doing this 18 years ago and that is to go out and be the best that we can be each and every time we hit the track,\u201d Schumacher said. \u201cIf there are races left and we\u2019re still within striking distance, then anything is possible. This team has proven that time and again over the years. The competitiveness from top to bottom is better than it\u2019s ever been. There are a lot of quality teams we have to do battle against week in and week out, and that\u2019s absolutely great for the fans, for our sport. We need to develop some consistency and be machine-like, and take matters into our own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Tony Schumacher. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

That could make Schumacher and his team, which is led by crew chief Mike Neff, dangerous in Dallas, but he\u2019ll also have to get past the likes of Clay Millican, who sits in second and trails Torrence by 70 points, as well as Don Schumacher Racing teammates Leah Pritchett and Antron Brown, who sit fourth and fifth, respectively. A stacked Top Fuel class makes each win difficult, but Schumacher knows that it also makes the victories that much sweeter.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach season is different,\u201d Schumacher said. \u201cThis one is proof that the series is more competitive than ever and winning championships during these kinds of seasons are probably the most satisfying. I get to drive a bad-to-the-bone racecar surrounded by nine of the best guys in the business. We have a chance to add another championship to the trophy case and that makes us excited about each and every day we get to go to the racetrack and work toward that goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Defending Funny Car world champ Hight looks for a repeat win in Dallas to keep his points lead over J.R. Todd, who won the playoff opener, Ron Capps and Courtney Force.<\/p>\n

Defending Pro Stock winner Jason Line is still after his first win of 2018, something he\u2019ll go for against points leader Tanner Gray, playoff opener winner Vincent Nobile and Greg Anderson.<\/p>\n

Eddie Krawiec has two straight wins at Texas Motorplex in Pro Stock Motorcycle, and will look to track down points leader Matt Smith, as well as LE Tonglet, who sits second in points.<\/p>\n

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will also feature thrilling competition in E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, which makes its 10th of 12 stops in 2018, as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which showcases the future stars of the sport. After Nitro qualifying, fans can also watch the spectacular Lone Star Lightning Jet Dragster & the El Arabe Jet Car. Jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.<\/p>\n

Those in attendance will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This includes meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals include Shirley Muldowney, Richard Tharp, Billy Meyer, and more.<\/p>\n

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.<\/p>\n

Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 1:15 and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-668-6775. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com<\/a>. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more info about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.  <\/a>;<\/p>\n

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> 33rd annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong> Texas Motorplex, Ennis, Texas. The track is located at 7500 W. Highway 287.<\/p>\n

COURSE:<\/strong>   Championship drag strip; Track elevation is 500 feet above sea level; Track direction is southwest to northeast.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 4-7<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong>      
\nTHURSDAY, Oct. 4 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, Oct. 5 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 2:15 and 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, Oct. 6 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, Oct. 7 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong> 
\nFriday, Oct. 5, FS1 will televise one hour of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 6, FS1 will televise one and a half hours of qualifying coverage at 5:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 7, FS1 will televise five hours of live finals coverage starting at noon (ET).<\/p>\n

2017 EVENT WINNERS:<\/strong>   
\nBrittany Force, Top Fuel; Robert Hight, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock; Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock Motorcycle.<\/p>\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/strong> 
\nJohn Force, FC, 7; Tony Schumacher, TF, 6; Warren Johnson, PS, 5; Cruz Pedregon, FC, 4; Greg Anderson, PS, 4.<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.681 sec. by Brittany Force Oct. 17; 330.55 mph by Antron Brown, Oct. \u201916
\nFunny Car – 3.828 sec. and 338.60 mph by Robert Hight, Oct. \u201917;
\nPro Stock – 6.457 sec. and 214.59 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. \u201915
\nPro Stock Motorcycle – 6.744 sec. and 198.99 mph by Jerry Savoie, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.628 sec. by Clay Millican, Feb. ’18, Pomona, Calif.; 336.57 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. \u201818, Phoenix
\nFunny Car – 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. ’17, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July \u201917, Sonoma, Calif.
\nPro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.; 215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201914, Englishtown N.J.
\nPro Stock Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct \u201812, Reading, PA.; 201.01 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March \u201818, Gainesville, Fla.   
\n   
\nTICKETS:<\/strong> For tickets call (800) 668-6775. Tickets are also available at www.texasmotorplex.com<\/a>.   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA ENNIS, Texas \u2013 After 500 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series races, 84 wins and eight world championships, Tony Schumacher\u2019s mindset has stayed the same. The longtime Top Fuel standout remains focused on greatness and that\u2019s an attitude that will continue to drive him as the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Countdown […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":19199,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[333,6,328,217],"class_list":["post-22106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals","tag-nhra","tag-texas-motorplex","tag-tony-schumacher"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/180-TonySchumacher-Saturday-Richmond.jpg?fit=2200%2C1467&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-5Ky","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22106"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22108,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22106\/revisions\/22108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}