Tony Schumacher Takes American Mobility Project to Top Fuel Semifinals in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – With a special livery featuring the American Mobility Project, Tony Schumacher raced to a semifinal finish Sunday at the 
NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was a solid start for the Maynard Family Racing team’s ‘giving cars’ campaign, which will continue at the NHRA Finals at Pomona.
Schumacher qualified No. 4 on the strength of his 3.692-second blast at 327.43-mph in the fourth session, where he jumped up from No. 11. He then started race day with a consistent 3.707 E.T. to defeat Rob Passey and move on to race Shawn Langdon in the second round. There, Schumacher left first and recorded a 3.764 E.T., beating Langdon’s 3.762-second pass on a holeshot. In the semifinals, Schumacher grabbed a .002-second starting line advantage over championship-contender Brittany Force, but he encountered issues early and slowed to a 4.075 while Force made a clean pass for the win.
“This weekend was great,” said Schumacher, who has one win in two final-round appearances aboard his DSR Performance-powered dragster this season. “We did what we said we were going to do. We made good, solid runs. We had to change engines and I think that bit us, ultimately. We were just down on a little power. We might’ve had another final round. But all in all, we did good. We moved around Leah (Pruett) and got into 11th. I don’t think we’re that far out of the Top 10. We have a chance with points-and-a-half at Pomona, so we’ll see if we can’t knock our way into the Top 10.”
American Mobility Project (AMP) serves to provide mobility and adaptive equipment and resources to those living with disabilities. Prior to eliminations, AMP co-founder Mari Linfoot, team owner Joe Maynard, and AMP iBOT recipient Jason Doyle were recognized during NHRA’s pre-race ceremonies. Doyle spoke about the significance of his iBOT personal mobility device, which combines balance and motion to provide a unique eye-level experience in mobility.
“Having Jason and Mari out here, it’s just cool,” Schumacher said. “When you talk to a person and they say, ‘You know what? To rise up to eye level and have a conversation, it’s very important,’ that’s really when it sinks in. We’re doing a good thing. I feel very blessed that we got to run the American Mobility Project livery this weekend. I think it was a great opportunity to bring attention to their organization, and see if we can’t raise a little money for them.”
Fans wishing to support the Maynard Family Racing team’s efforts in raising funds for the American Mobility Project can make a donation by visiting americanmobilityproject.org. Additionally, merchandise benefitting AMP can be purchased via the Maynard Family Racing e-store.
In two weeks, Schumacher and the Maynard Family Racing team will represent A Soldier’s Child at the NHRA Finals, Nov. 11-13, at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
Qualified: No. 4 (3.692 E.T. at 327.43 MPH)
Elimination Round Results:
E1: 3.707 E.T. at 327.66 MPH defeated Rob Passey 4.215 E.T. at 289.51 MPH
E2: 3.764 E.T. at 327.27 MPH defeated Shawn Langdon 3.762 E.T. at 324.44 MPH
E3: 4.075 E.T. at 216.55 MPH defeated by Brittany Force 3.712 E.T. at 331.85 MPH
