Schumacher defeated arch-rival Larry Dixon in the semifinal.  (Debbie Gastelu photo)

“I’m happy that Antron did well this weekend,” related Schumacher. “He really went through a lot the last few weeks after the crash in Phoenix. He seems to be back on track in every which way.”

On Friday, Schumacher posted both ends of the track record in his U.S. Army dragster with a performance of 3.823 at 318.03 to pace Top Fuel qualifying.

“The track was fine, actually a lot better than what we just ran,” Schumacher said. “That was a good run, and it was fairly soft; just a nice, easy run down the racetrack. I’m kind of surprised the other cars didn’t do better.”

NHRA later cancelled one round due to rain.

Things got a little hot for Pat Dakin. (Todd Dziadosz photo)

Doug Kalitta drove a Coors
Light dragster in honor of Darrell Gwynn’s
1990 Gatornationals win.  (Steve Gruenwald photo)