Tony Schumacher Wins Top Fuel Nationals

ENNIS, Texas September 26, 2004; The AP reported that Tony Schumacher moved closer to his second Top Fuel title with a win at the OReilly Fall Nationals, and Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson clinched his second consecutive championship Sunday at the Texas Motorplex.

Schumacher extended his series lead to 217 over Doug Kalitta with his eighth victory of the season. Meanwhile, Anderson claimed his $200,000 world title earlier than any driver in NHRA history when his closest points challenger, Jason Line, lost in the first round and was mathematically eliminated from contention. Anderson finished 10th.

David Connolly earned his second career Pro Stock victory, defeating Bruce Allen in the final. Connolly drove his Chevy Cavalier to a winning time of 6.810 at 203.74 mph to hold off Allen's Pontiac Grand Am, which turned in a 6.891 at 202.79.

Del Worsham claimed his fourth victory of the season and 18th of his career in Funny Car, beating Cruz Pedregon. Worsham posted a 4.934 at 315.56 in a Chevy Monte Carlo, and Pedregon trailed with a 4.948 at 307.02, also in a Monte Carlo.

Schumacher earned his 19th career victory and second at this track, powering his U.S. Army dragster to a 4.575 at 325.85. He beat Dave Grubnic, who clocked a 4.623 at 323.97 in the Red Line Oil dragster and remained winless. It was his fifth runner-up finish of the season and seventh of his career.