Schumacher Sets Career Top Fuel Win Record; Beckman Claims Third-Straight Funny Car Victory
Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) and Jack Beckman (Funny Car) were the nitro winners at the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, N.C. Schumacher's victory was the 53rd of his career, moving him past former Valvoline driver and drag-racing legend, Joe Amato, for all-time Top Fuel wins. It was also Schumacher's seventh straight victory and 12th of the season.
Schumacher, who is in first place in the NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to 1 playoff championship, defeated Valvoline driver Antron Brown in the final round of eliminations.
"It's hard to win these races." said Schumacher. "A lot of credit goes to Alan (Johnson, crew chief), but there are nine guys on that team who are incredible. I think the significance of what we've accomplished this year will hit me much later. I am very aware of it. I know how difficult it is to get here. But we've still got a championship to win and we need to focus on that."
Beckman, driver of the Valvoline/MTS Dodge Charger, captured his third straight Funny Car win, defeating Cruz Pedregon in the finals. The victory lifted Beckman to second place in the Countdown to 1 point standings.
"We started the off-season with a team that had never worked together as an entire team, an empty race car trailer and no chassis," said Beckman. "It seems like everybody who crews for me has to work extra hard, so, guys, (directed to his crew), this is the thank-you for all the hard work that you have done."
The following are Valvoline Racing NHRA Team Results
NHRA POWERade Series
Sept. 14
Carolinas Nationals
Concord, N.C.
Top Fuel:
Antron Brown, David Powers Motorsports
Runner-up
Point Standing: 2nd
Rod Fuller, David Powers Motorsports
Lost in Quarterfinal Round
Point Standing: 6th
Cory McClenathan, Don Schumacher Racing
Lost in Semifinal Round
Point Standing: 3rd
Tony Schumacher, Don Schumacher Racing:
Won Event
Point Standing: 1st
Bob Vandergriff Jr., Vandergriff Motorsports
Lost in First Round
Point Standing: 12th
Funny Car
Jack Beckman, Don Schumacher Racing
Won Event
Point Standing: 2nd
Ron Capps, Don Schumacher Racing
Lost in Quarter Final Round
Point Standing: 7th
Gary Scelzi, Don Schumacher Racing
Lost in First Round
Point Standing: 14th
Jerry Toliver, Don Schumacher Racing
Did Not Qualify
Point Standing: 15th
Tim Wilkerson
Lost in First Round
Point Standing: 5th
Pro Stock
Ron Krisher
Did Not Qualify
Point Standing: 10th
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Chip Ellis
Lost in First Round
Point Standing: 6th
Craig Treble
Lost in First Round
Point Standing: 9th
Next NHRA Event
Sept. 21
Texas Motorplex
Ennis, Texas
