|
NHRA Top Fuel - Schmacher Loses Final Round, Continues To LeadPoints Atlanta, May 7, 2012: U.S. Army NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony"The Sarge" Schumacher has heard the line many timesfrom the Army Strong Soldiers he interacts with every race weekend– never accept defeat. Hence, after dropping his fourth final-round loss of the season toSteve Torrence in the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals atAtlanta Dragway, Schumacher will hold to form and once again takethe advice to heart. "Without question, that's exactly what we willdo," the Chicago-area resident said. "We will stay atit, you can count on that. There's a lot of racing left andwe're not going to settle for being runner-up all of thetime. We will bring home some trophies this year." With the track temperature at almost 135 degrees, Schumacher endedup smoking the tires against Torrence, who posted a 3.893-secondpass at 320.66 mph. It was Torrence's first career win. Despite the loss, Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, wasable to wrestle away the top spot in the standings from his U.S.Army Racing/Don Schumacher Racing teammate Antron Brown, whodropped a first-round race to Doug Kalitta. Schumacher, with 604points, leads a top-five that includes Spencer Massey, Brown,Morgan Lucas and Torrence, respectively. "It's always a good thing to be leading thepoints," Schumacher said. "But, to be honest, it wouldhave been better to be leaving here with the points lead and a win.People say you can't have your cake and eat it, too, butI'm one person who wants that in the worst way." Schumacher's winless streak has now reached 30 consecutiveraces dating back to his last victory at the 2010 fall Las Vegasevent. He also remains winless at Atlanta Dragway, the only trackon the NHRA tour where has failed to claim a title. "We're going to keep fighting," Schumacher said."This is not over by a long shot. We're staying overhere to test a new car tomorrow and, if all goes well, we will rollit out in Topeka (Kan.) in two weeks. I have full confidence thatwins are right around the corner for the U.S. Army team." While Schumacher was stockpiling points on a hot, sunny day inGeorgia, Brown was forced to the sidelines early after anopening-round final eliminations loss to Kalitta. It was the firsttime in 33 starts he lost in the first round. "We were just too aggressive and puffed the tires,"Brown said. "For some reason, the clutch just didn'twear like it should have. It was the same thing that happened lastweekend in Houston when we lost in the final (to Lucas).We'll get it all figured out and be ready for the nextrace." The New Jersey native arrived at Atlanta Dragway as the standingsleader but left holding third behind Schumacher and Massey.He's only five points out of second and 30 behind Schumacher. "I think everyone continues to see that the Top Fuel class isan unbelievable battle right now," Brown said. "Today,you had a first-time winner in Torrence. Given what he's beenthrough in life, having to beat cancer, it was nice to see him geta trophy. Of course, it was at the expense of my teammate, who istrying to break a long winless streak. "The parity in the class is just incredible. You never knowwhich driver and team is going to rise to the occasion. My MatcoTools/U.S. Army team will go back to the shop, work hard this week,and then head for Topeka just as determined and focused as ever. Wewant to return to victory lane sooner rather than later." Going into round eight of the 23-race NHRA Full Throttle DragRacing Series, the Dollar General SummerNationals May 18-20 atHeartland Park Topeka (Kan.), following are the top-five in the TopFuel standings: 1. Tony Schumacher (604 points) 2. Spencer Massey (579 points) 3. Antron Brown (574 points) 4. Morgan Lucas (536 points) 5. Steve Torrence (467 points). We are high quality suppliers, our products such as China Stainless Steel Bangles , China Leather Wrist Bracelets for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Popcorn Bracelet.
Related Articles -
China Stainless Steel Bangles, China Leather Wrist Bracelets,
|
