NHRA Full Throttle Series to Race in New England in 2013

Nearly two years ago, NHRA promised its legion of fans in the New England states that it would soon bring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series – the fastest, most exciting form of motorsports on the planet – to that region of the country.

Today, NHRA made it official by announcing the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will visit New England Dragway in Epping, N.H., for the inaugural NHRA New England Nationals, June 20-23, 2013.  The announcement marks a process that began more than a decade ago when NHRA decided it wanted to stage an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event in this region of the country. NHRA enjoys the most geographically diverse schedule of any of the major motorsports and the addition of New England only reinforces that position.

“This is a landmark announcement for NHRA and the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.   “We identified the New England area as one of the primary regions to expand our schedule and today’s announcement is very exciting for everyone involved in NHRA.”

New England Dragway in Epping, N.H. will be making capital improvements to the facility over the course of the next 12 months in preparation for the arrival of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in June 2013. The facility joined the NHRA member track network in 2011 with the goal of one day hosting a NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event. The nearly two years of hard work put in by track officials and its owners have resulted in today’s announcement.

“To bring the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series to New England and specifically the state of New Hampshire is very exciting,” said Joe Lombardo, track general manager, New England Dragway. “We have started the process of preparing our facility to host an event of this magnitude and look forward to hosting the stars of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing next June.”

The event will be headlined by 15-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force, seven-time Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher, as well as many other top stars including New England’s own Bob Tasca III, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Greg Anderson, Cruz Pedregon, Courtney Force, Morgan Lucas, Robert Hight, Terry McMillen, and Jeg Coughlin, among others.  The event expects to entertain fans from the entire New England region, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Canada.   The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is broadcast on ESPN2/ESPN2HD.

Fans attending the event are in store for an experience unlike any other in sports and entertainment. NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing showcases the world’s fastest race cars, a spectacle of high speed, side-by-side races with jaw-dropping performances where the sophisticated machines accelerate to more than 100 mph in less than a second and routinely exceed 300 mph. A total sensory racing experience that you can see, hear, feel and taste, every NHRA Full Throttle event is a highly engaging and genuine fan experience that provides all-day entertainment on and off the track with NHRA’s open pit environment that allows every person attending an event to get up close and personal with the sport’s biggest stars.

The New England area has a long and storied drag racing history with the sport making its debut at the old Newington Airport in 1953. Eventually, and after much due diligence, New England Dragway was opened in September 1966. The facility has been active ever since, becoming an NHRA member track in 2011 and it will now host the biggest drag racing event in the history of the facility as well as the state of New Hampshire – an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event.

NHRA and New England Dragway officials will make additional announcements in the coming weeks and months regarding sponsors, tickets and promotional events and activities.  Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 13.  For more information, log on to NHRA.com.

U.S. Army NHRA Top Fuel Team Looks To Take Next Step

After knocking on the door in the 2012 season opener, U.S. Army NHRA Racing Top Fuel drivers Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher and Antron Brown will be attempting to bust through this weekend in the Arizona NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway outside of Phoenix.

Schumacher, who directs the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, advanced to the semifinals in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals last Sunday at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., while Brown, in his Matco Tools/U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, reached the final round before losing to his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Spencer Massey.

Each driver has had his share of success in the Valley of the Sun. Schumacher, with three career wins at Firebird, is tied with Cory McClenathan and Larry Dixon for the most class victories. A New Jersey native, Brown captured his first Arizona Nationals trophy in 2009.

Last season, Brown beat Schumacher in the semifinals before losing to Dixon in the final. He used that effort to briefly claim the Top Fuel points lead with two races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship.

Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster:

How would you assess your team’s effort last weekend in Pomona, Calif.?

“I thought we performed very well. There’s no doubt we wanted to walk away with a win, but we made some strides in terms of getting the car to run quick and fast. The most important thing is we showed consistency. With the exception of one qualifying pass when we smoked the tires, we got down the track without any issues. It’s just a matter of tweaking a couple of things going into Firebird and then we should be golden.”

How did you feel getting back in the cockpit to begin your 16th professional season?

“Man, I didn’t realize it’s been that long. You’re right – even though I competed in only four races, I started way back in 1996. I guess I’m one of the old dudes, now. To be honest, it seems like yesterday when I began my pro career. Time does have a way of passing by in a hurry. But, I totally enjoy what I do. I love the competition and driving for the U.S. Army. I’m all about winning races and world championships for our Army Strong soldiers.”

Speaking of the competition, it appears your Don Schumacher Racing teammates are going to be right there with you contending for the title. Agreed?

“If last weekend is any indication, Antron (Brown) and Spencer (Massey) have picked right up where they left off last year, when they were challenging for the title right into the season finale. I wouldn’t want it any other way. They are both great drivers with great teams. I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with them all year long.”

What are your thoughts about returning to Firebird International Raceway?

“One thing is certainly different this year than last – we are back to what was our usual February date on the schedule instead of an October weekend during the playoffs. That said, I’m sure the crew chiefs will have to go back to the 2010 book to get data for this weekend. That track can be quite challenging. We’ll have to see what the weather gods deal us in a few days.”

Antron Brown, driver of the Matco Tools/U.S. Army dragster:

Same question as Tony’s – how would you assess your team’s effort in Pomona, Calif.?

“We were so close in Pomona that we could taste it. So, naturally, we want more this weekend. My team and I are very hungry. Don’t forget that we came within a round of winning the championship last year. We don’t want to leave any stones unturned this time around.”

After seeing the quality of the Top Fuel field at the first race, do you feel like you’re in for even more of a battle this year?

“There are a lot of cars capable of being good this year. It’s going to be tough, there’s no doubt about that. Last weekend definitely proved that. It’s like a horse race. You have the ones who get out of the gate real quick, but then you have the thoroughbreds who come up and sneak around everyone. That’s what it could be like out here.”

Given a win in 2009 and a final-round appearance last season, you seem to like racing at Firebird. Is that correct?

“We’ve had a good car there in the past. So, hopefully, that carries on. It would be good to get these Matco boys and Army Strong soldiers in the winner’s circle early in the season and get that momentum going.”

‘The Sarge’ Ready for Fresh Start

(Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

Shortly after the curtain came down on the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher quickly went in search of a 2012 calendar.

“I needed to immediately find out when the season opener was scheduled,” said the seven-time world champion. “After finishing the year without a victory, I wanted to be sure to circle the (O’Reilly Auto Parts) Winternationals weekend. That became a clear target for the U.S. Army Top Fuel team.”

Despite advancing to seven final rounds, Schumacher posted his first winless season in 10 years. Needless to say, he will be looking to end that drought this weekend at historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.

“You can be sure of that,” he said. “We had some great runs throughout last year, but we just didn’t get the job done. I guess the magic wasn’t on our side and we had no luck at all. I’ve always contended it takes a lot of talent, terrific people and some luck to win races. Unfortunately, with the latter, we didn’t have any.

“We have to put last year out of our minds and move forward. We have to be focused on what’s right in front of us, which is an opportunity to start over. My guys are all battle-tested and are fully aware that failure is never an option when you are representing the U.S. Army. We want that world championship trophy back in the U.S. Army camp.”

Schumacher’s preseason optimism was fueled by a solid, week-long test session at Palm Beach (Fla.) International Raceway last month.

“We tried a bunch of things down there in Florida and all went well,” said the Chicago-area resident. “We had a really good car toward the end of last year, but I believe we will be bringing an even better car to Pomona in a few days.”

When he rolls up to the starting line for the first qualifying session on Thursday, Schumacher understands the competition will be as good as it has ever been.

“That’s for certain,” he said. “The Top Fuel class has progressively improved with every season. It’s actually fun to race, given all of the great cars. You have to show up and bring your ‘A’ game every time or you’re going home early. I love a good battle and, right now, we have it. I would be proud to be an NHRA fan these days because you are definitely going to get one heck of a race.”

Based on past history, Schumacher is counting on a positive result at Auto Club Raceway. He has six wins to his credit there, which ties him with famed driver “Big Daddy” Don Garlits for the most in Top Fuel. Two of those wins came in the Winternationals.

“Pomona has been very good to me over the years,” he said. “I’m hopeful we can re-capture that winning formula this weekend.”

Top Fuel dragster canopy will not start NHRA season, but DSR owner confident it will be used early this year

Don Schumacher Racing will not be able to start the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season with its innovative fully enclosed canopy on Tony Schumacher's U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster until NHRA completes further inspection of the revolutionary component.

Team owner Don Schumacher said the canopy that fits within an existing dragster chassis also cannot be used at the second event to be held near Phoenix a week after the Feb. 9-12 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.

"We have to go through the proper channels with NHRA to get approval for the canopy, and NHRA wants to take a close look at it so we'll take it to Pomona where officials, Safety Safari and other drivers and owners can get a close look at it," Don Schumacher said.

Tony Schumacher is an adamant supporter of the canopy although it adds about 25 pounds to the dragster's weight. His best run with the canopy was 3.761 seconds at 324.28 mph during Jan. 15-21 testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla., where he made 13 runs with it. Teammate Antron Brown also made a run to test the unit.

"This isn't about performance. This about safety," said Tony, the seven-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion. "I want every driver to have one. We aren't hiding anything. Again, this is just all about making it safer for all the guys in Top Fuel."

Don added, "We let all the teams at West Palm examine it. We let drivers get in it if they wanted. I want to make these cars as safe as they can be and not just for Tony. The canopy takes safety in Top Fuel to a much higher level."

Schumacher is a longtime safety innovator in drag racing. In the early 1970s when he was a top Funny Car owner and driver he developed the first roof escape hatch after seeing too many drivers burned in cockpit fires. He was the first to activate on-board fire extinguishers by attaching the handle to a Funny Car's brake handle so at the end of a fiery run the driver could keep one hand on the steering wheel and another on the brake while suppressing a fire.

Army crew chief Mike Green, who won the Top Fuel championship with Tony in 2009 at DSR, has been trying to enhance safety of the Top Fuel driver compartment since 2004 when popular Top Fuel driver Darrell Russell died in his open cockpit after apparently being hit with debris during a race near St. Louis.

Soon after Russell died, NHRA mandated rollcage shrouds be added behind the driver.

But that does not protect a driver from being hit by oncoming foreign objects.

Tony recalled several times when crashes or engine explosions on opponents' cars sent parts flying over his dragster.

"I remember twice when my front wing hit birds at 300 mph," he said. "If those birds would have hit my helmet I probably wouldn't be here today.

"This setup with the canopy is the smartest thing you can put on a (Top Fuel) car until we figure out something smarter.

"When I sit in this car with the canopy I have a level of comfort that I haven't had in a long time," Tony said. "Every driver should have that feeling. I've lost some good friends out here and don't want to lose any more."

The canopy concept began when Green thought back to his days racing 200-mph drag boats. He contacted longtime friend James Brendel, who owns Hondo Boats and Brendel Safety Capsules in Riverside, Calif. Brendel pioneered the use of enclosed capsules for drag boat racing, and the innovation has been responsible for saving countless lives and possibly the sport.

Green finally had the resources and funding for his project after he joined DSR in 2008 and shared his vision with the team owner.

Schumacher and Green embarked on the project in earnest two years ago and it came to fruition a year later when Brendel's self-contained canopy was fitted into a Top Fuel chassis and tested in Florida.

The capsule worked well but was too heavy, Green said.

DSR began working to develop a second generation canopy with Brendel and Indianapolis-based Aerodine Composites, which has designed and manufactured various parts for top NHRA and IndyCar teams over the past 20 years.

Aerodine built the canopy using a combination of Kevlar and carbon fiber that goes over of an existing chassis to nearly enclose the cockpit and tops it with an attached full canopy that lowers over the driver.

The module is reinforced for further side protection. The canopy can be quickly released inside by the driver or at the rear by crew or safety workers. The canopy will carry a 5-pound fire suppression system similar to those used in Funny Cars.

"The canopy doesn't make us go faster," Tony said. "It looks really cool, but I wouldn't care if it were ugly. That fact is I feel safer under it. That's all that matters to me."

Gateway International Raceway to Re-Open, Host NHRA

(Warren Johnson, Robert Hight, Tony Schumacher, and Michael Phillips visited the Winner's Circle at Gateway International Raceway's 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Series event. The facility sat vacant in 2011 but will host the NHRA Midwest Nationals again 2012 after it was announced St. Louis businessman and former professional racer Curtis Francois has leased the facility. Gateway International Raceway photo)

On Nov. 3, 2010, Dover Motorsports Inc., shut down Gateway International Raceway. I was the PR director there for the last four seasons it was in operation. On Thursday, it was announced Curtis Francois has leased the track and that the NHRA Full Throttle Series will return to the St. Louis area Oct. 5-7, 2012. If you care, HERE are my thoughts on the return of Gateway.

Newman, Schumacher Pay Poignant Visit to Arlington National Cemetery, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

(U.S. Army Racing drivers Tony Schumacher (NHRA, left) and Ryan Newman (NASCAR, right) participate in a wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Thursday in Washington D.C. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Turner, USAAC G7)

U.S. Army Racing drivers Ryan Newman (NASCAR) and Tony Schumacher (NHRA) paid solemn tribute Thursday to our nation's heroes in powerful, emotional visits to both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. 

Schumacher and Newman were humbled and honored by the experience as they laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbol of all unaccounted for American Soldiers lost in combat. The Tomb commemorates the spirit of devotion, sacrifice and courage of the American Soldier, and has been guarded 24/7 since 1930. 

"It was indeed a somber honor to stand there in front of the Tomb and reflect on the dedication and sacrifices of our American heroes who have fought for our freedom," said Schumacher, who is in his 11th season driving the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing. "It was an emotional moment that I will never forget." 

Newman was equally touched by the experience in the sacred military shrine. 

"Just staring at the Tomb and then seeing all of those delicately-placed white marble headstones is one powerful reminder that we must never take for granted the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform," said Newman, who is in his third season driving the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing. 

Following the Arlington National Cemetery visit, Newman and Schumacher laid a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial which was designed as a place for remembrance, reflection and renewal. 

The design captures that moment in time at 9:37 a.m., Sept. 11, 2001 when 184 lives from the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77 became intertwined for eternity. Each Memorial Unit is a cantilevered bench and a permanent tribute to each victim in a single element. Beneath each bench is a pool of flowing water, lit at night to illuminate the Memorial park. 

"It was another emotional visit to see this magnificent and well-thought-out Memorial," said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. "This Memorial will ensure that the 184 lives that were lost here 10 years ago will never be forgotten." 

"It's an amazingly-designed Memorial and we need to keep the 184 victims in our hearts," said Schumacher, a seven-time NHRA season champion. "I was deeply touched by the Memorial." 

Following the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial visit, the U.S. Army drivers met with Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, General Raymond T. Odierno and Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler. 

"We experienced so much emotion and history today," stated Schumacher. "I feel both fortunate and proud to be the Army's representative on the NHRA circuit. Walking the historic Pentagon corridors was indeed a privilege." 

Said Newman, "It was an insightful, moving and inspiring day to visit both Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. After today, it makes me even more proud to wear the Army uniform and drive the Soldiers' car." 

In observance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet will have a special paint at this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Richmond, Va. His car will carry the names of the 75 U.S. Army personnel killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Schumacher's U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster carried the 9/11, U.S. Army paint scheme last week at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The 9/11 paint scheme will also be on Schumacher's dragster at next week's NHRA national event in Charlotte, N.C.

US Army Racing to Honor 9/11 Pentagon Victims

(Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

As the nation observes the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Army announced today that both its NHRA and NASCAR teams will honor the victims of the Pentagon attack with special paint schemes at upcoming races.

At this weekend’s Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis (Sept. 2-5), Tony Schumacher’s U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster will carry the names of the 75 U.S. Army personnel killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

One week later, on Sept. 10, Stewart-Haas Racing driver Ryan Newman also will carry the names of the 75 U.S. Army Pentagon victims on his No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.

In addition to the listing of the names, both race cars will carry an inscription “We Will Never Forget” and sport a specially-designed logo featuring the World Trade Center twin towers, Pentagon and the American Flag.

“It will be a moving experience when we unveil the race car in Indy,” said Schumacher, a seven-time world champion. “Many years later, all of us still remember that horrible day which affected so many innocent people, including those at the Pentagon. Our hearts and prayers clearly remain with the families of the victims. We will never, ever forget that terrible tragedy.”

Winless thus far this season, Schumacher would love to be able to dedicate a victory and trophy to the victims’ families on Labor Day.

“I couldn’t think of a better time to get our first win of the year,” said the Chicago-area resident. “As always, we will definitely be Army Strong on race day and give it our usual 150 percent effort.”

Like Schumacher, Newman is expecting to be deeply moved by the first appearance of his Richmond race car.

“There’s no question it will be an emotional time for not only my team, but the entire NASCAR family,” said Newman, a 15-time Sprint Cup winner. “We all remember where we were and what we were doing when the news surfaced about the attacks. I know it will be etched in my memory forever. And, it should be that way for everyone.

“We want to win every race for the Army, but you can imagine how much more we’ll want to win the Richmond event. It would be a very special, touching moment if we could drive into victory lane carrying the names of those great Americans.”

The Fallen:

Rank	First	Middle	Last
SPC	Craig	S.	Amundson
MSG (RET)	Max	J.	Beilke
	Carrie	R.	Blagburn
COL	Canfield	D.	Boone
	Donna	M.	Bowen
SFC	Jose	O.	Calderon-Olmedo
	Angelene	C.	Carter
	Sharon	A.	Carver
SFC (RET)	John	J.	Chada
	Ada	M.	Davis
LTC	Jerry	D.	Dickerson
	Amelia	V.	Fields
	Gerald	P.	Fisher
	Cortez		Ghee
	Brenda	C.	Gibson
COL (RET)	Ronald	F.	Golinski
	Diane		Hale-McKinzy
	Carolyn	B.	Halmon
	Sheila	M.S.	Hein
MAJ	Wallace	Cole	Hogan Jr.
SSG (RET)	Jimmie	I.	Holley
	Peggie	M.	Hurt
LTC	Stephen	Neil	Hyland Jr.
SGM	Lacey	B.	Ivory
LTC	Dennis	M.	Johnson
	Brenda		Kegler
	David	W.	Laychak
	Samantha	L.	Lightbourn-Allen
MAJ	Stephen	V.	Long
	Terence	M.	Lynch
	Teresa	M.	Martin
	Ada	L.	Mason-Acker
LTC	Dean	E.	Mattson
LTG	Timothy	J.	Maude
	Robert	J.	Maxwell
	Molly	L.	McKenzie
MAJ	Ronald	D.	Milam
	Odessa	V.	Morris
	Teddington	H.	Moy
	Diana	B.	Padro

MAJ	Clifford	L.	Patterson Jr.
	Scott		Powell
	Deborah	A.	Ramsaur
	Rhonda	S.	Rasmussen
	Martha	M.	Reszke
	Cecelia	E.	Richard
	Edward	V.	Rowenhorst
	Judy		Rowlett
	Robert	E.	Russell
CW4	William	R.	Ruth
	Marjorie	C.	Salamone
COL	David	M	Scales
	Janice	M.	Scott
	Michael	L.	Selves
	Marian	H.	Serva
	Antionette	M.	Sherman
	Donald	D.	Simmons
	Cheryle	D.	Sincock
	Gary	F.	Smith
	Patricia	J.	Statz
	Edna	L.	Stephens
SGM	Larry	L.	Strickland
LTC	Kip	P.	Taylor
	Sandra	C.	Taylor
SGT	Tamara	C.	Thurman
	Willie	Q.	Troy
LTC	Karen	J.	Wagner
	Meta	L.	Waller
SPC	Chin Sun Pak		Wells
SSG	Maudlyn	A.	White
	Sandra	L.	White
	Ernest	M.	Willcher
MAJ	Dwayne		Williams
	Edmond	G.	Young Jr.
	Lisa	L.	Young