SCHUMACHER, JOHNSON TOPS AT ‘BIG GO’
This “Big Go” delivered.
Monday concluded what might be the most news filled U.S. Nationals ever.
No better place to start than with what Tony Schumacher accomplished by winning again in Top Fuel at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind.
His 24th consecutive eliminations round victory produced his sixth straight NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series title and 11th title in 18 events this year.
That’s three NHRA records.
He also tied Joe Amato’s mark of 52 Top Fuel titles.
Adding to its importance is that it came on a four-day weekend that began when the sport’s best crew chief, Alan Johnson, announced he would leave the Don Schumacher Racing team to start his own with an Arab sheikh.
Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani is funding Johnson’s program for 2009 when it will field a Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car.
The sheikh already is involved with Awesome Al-Anabi Racing, which fields the car for part-owner Mike Castellana, who won Monday’s Pro Mod Challenge.
MORE BIG WINNERS
Dave Connolly missed the first five NHRA events this season because he didn’t have a team or sponsor.
But the Pro Stock driver won the U.S. Nationals for the second straight year and has qualified fifth for the Countdown to One, which will determine pro champions over the last six events.
The ever-popular Steve Johnson won the Pro Stock Motorcycle title for the second time, but Monday was the first time he was able to celebrate after the final run.
He won the title in 2005 but wasn’t proclaimed the official winner until the following day. Matt Smith initially was declared the winner in the last race before replays later indicated Johnson clearly beat him to the finish line.
COUNTDOWN QUALIFIERS
The top 10 in each of four NHRA pro categories have been determined for the six-event Countdown to One.
TOP FUEL: 1. Tony Schumacher, 2090; 2. Antron Brown, 2060; 3. Larry Dixon; 2050; 4. Cory McClenathan, 2040; 5. Rod Fuller, 2030; 6. Brandon Bernstein, 2020; 7. Hillary Will, 2010; 8. Doug Herbert, 2000; 9. Doug Kalitta, 1990; 10. David Grubnic, 1980
FUNNY CAR: 1. Tim Wilkerson, 2090; 2. Tony Pedregon, 2060; 3. Robert Hight, 2050; 4. Cruz Pedregon, 2040; 5. Ashley Force, 2030; 6. Jack Beckman, 2020; 7. Gary Densham, 2010; 8. John Force, 2000; 9. Ron Capps, 1990; 10. Mike Neff, 1980
PRO STOCK: 1. Greg Anderson, 2090; 2. Kurt Johnson, 2060; 3. Jeg Coughlin Jr., 2050; 4. Jason Line, 2040; 5. Allen Johnson, 2030; 6. Dave Connolly, 2020; 7. Mike Edwards, 2010; 8. V. Gaines, 2000; 9. Ron Krisher, 1990; 10. Greg Stanfield, 1980
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 1. Matt Smith, 2090; 2. Andrew Hines, 2060; 3. Chip Ellis, 2050; 4. Angelle Sampey, 2040; 5. Chris Rivas, 2030; 6. Matt Guidera, 2020; 7. Eddie Krawiec, 2010; 8. Steve Johnson, 2000; 9. Craig Treble, 1990; 10. Karen Stoffer, 1980
COUNTED OUT
The following are some of the top pro drivers locked out of contending for season championships:
TOP FUEL: 11. Morgan Lucas, 12. Bob Vandergriff, 13. Jr. Todd.
FUNNY CAR: 11. Del Worsham, 12. Bob Tascar III, 13, Melanie Troxel, 4. Gary Scelzi
PRO STOCK: 11. Warren Johnson
PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE: 11. Hector Arana
