The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NHRA: Schumacher Looks to Continue Charge in Brainerd

20 August 1999

Park Ridge, IL: The NHRA Top Fuel Winston Championship points battle, if it wasn't already, is quickly becoming the number one story of the 1999 season and Tony Schumacher wants to be a part of the headline. The next stop on tour is the Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, August 19-22.

Since returning the famed "330" car to service and a runner-up spot to Gary Scelzi in St. Louis, Tony Schumacher and the Exide team have been more determined than ever to chase down points leader Mike Dunn, while still anticipating their first trip to the winner's circle. The only thing they haven't accomplished is the victory as they have crept within 50 points of the lead.

"We knew we were struggling and when we came back to the "330" car, we also knew we might have to retrace our steps for a little while," said Schumacher anticipating getting back to business after a weekend off. After Denver, Team Exide was 90 points out of first place, two events later a mere 49 points separates Schumacher from the spot he wants to occupy.

"I feel like we are just getting our momentum back," commented Schumacher, "I am really looking forward to going to Brainerd. We ran the alcohol (funny) car up there and always had a great time with the fans."

Momentum is exactly what the Exide team has coming off their runner-up finish at the Autolite Nationals in Sonoma where they set a new track speed record and consistently ran in the .60's. Even though the Dan Olson-tuned dragster had mechanical difficulties in the finals, every member of the team has the spring back in their step as they went to their third final round appearance of the year and knew the impact of they had made in points battle.

With one final chance to show their stuff before Indy, look to Tony Schumacher and the Exide team to make a charge to gain the lead in the Winston points Championship.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery

.