Tony Schumacher Denver Friday Report

Schumacher Lands In 10th Position

Still in pursuit of his first victory of the season, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher ended up in the 10th starting spot here Friday during the first day of qualifying for the MOPAR Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Top Fuel Driver Tony Schumacher

Photo by: Ted Rossino

The seven-time world champion recorded a 4.110-second run at 280.72 mph in the afternoon session and thus ended up in the bottom half of the field going into Saturday's action.

"It was important we get comfortably in the show," said Schumacher, a two-time winner at Bandimere Speedway. "Now, we have to go out and improve tomorrow so we can go into race day feeling good."

After a rare opening round loss at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. two weeks ago, Schumacher is looking to come back strong this weekend in the first of three straight races that comprise the NHRA's infamous Western Swing.

"This is a tough stretch that we have coming up," said the Chicago-area resident. "We would like to do well here in Colorado so we can then go to Sonoma (Calif.) and Seattle with a head of steam. We have to find a way to win some races."

Schumacher has gone 12 straight races without a win (dating back to the 2010 season finale), but he refuses to get down.

"No way," he said. "I'm a positive person - I know we'll turn this thing around. We have too good of a team to be where we are at. We are going to keep working hard until the results come."

Schumacher's U.S. Army Racing teammate, Antron Brown, nailed a 4.057-second trip at 301.87 mph also in the daytime session to grab the sixth starting spot.

Currently fourth in the points, Brown is seeking his second career win at Bandimere Speedway. In 2009, he swept the Western Swing.

"I like racing up here on the mountain," offered Brown. "It's definitely a challenge with the thin air, but my guys seem to have a handle on how to get down this track."

By: don schumacher racing