TOP FUEL

U.S. Army Top Fuel pilot Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher captured his second straight victory of the season in the SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
           
After beating Brandon Bernstein in the finals with a 3.874-second pass at 311.77 mph, Schumacher assumed control of the Top Fuel points lead.      
           
For the Chicago-area resident, it was his 58th career win in 90 final round appearances. It was also his sixth career win at The Strip.
           
“Needless to say, I don’t mind racing out here given the success that I’ve had over the years,” he said. “It’s a great facility with a great racing surface.”
           
On the way to his confrontation with Bernstein, Schumacher pushed aside the likes of Terry Haddock, Cory McClenathan and Shawn Langdon. The win over Haddock was particularly noteworthy since it set a Top Fuel record for most consecutive races without a first round loss – 31. The previous mark was held by Larry Dixon.

“The team won today,” said Schumacher of his 58th career victory. “I didn’t do it with a great driving job like I did in Houston. What a great tune-up we had. They carried me today. It went right down the track every time. That’s what a team is all about.”

The Budweiser/Lucas Oil team launched the season with a strong performance and they continued to ride their momentum into the SummitRacing.com Nationals, scoring their second runner-up finish in five starts. The Kenny Bernstein-owned team also set elapsed time and top speed marks for the event. They remain in the top three in Full Throttle point standings as they have since the season-opener.

Bernstein was the No. 11 qualifier at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a 4.027/281.13.