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ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - U.S. Army Top Fuel driver, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, secured the provisional number one starting position here Friday after the opening day of action for the ProCare Rx Supernationals at Raceway Park.
In Pro Stock Motorcycles, U.S. Army Suzuki pilots, Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown, ended up second and sixth, respectively.
Top Fuel
Schumacher, who entered the race weekend fifth in the standings, recorded a track-record setting 4.455-second pass at 331.94 mph during the evening session and that was good enough for the top slot.
"Just outstanding," said the defending world champion. "We saw (Rod) Fuller go out and run quick (4.479-seconds), so we knew the track could hold a stout number. Fortunately, the car stayed nice and straight and we were able to get around Fuller as a result."
The Chicago native is going for his fifth pole of the season and the 40th of his career. It would also be his first pole at Raceway Park, a track he's never won at.
"This is one place where I've just not been able to get a trophy," he added. "It would certainly be nice to break that streak. Plus, we could use a shot of momentum for the coming stretch of races."
The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will move from Englishtown, N.J. to Norwalk, Ohio next weekend before stopping in Bristol, Tenn., Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif. on successive weekends.
"This is definitely a critical point in the season," said Schumacher. "There will be no rest for the weary."
Pro Stock Motorcycles
After being part of the not qualified group following the initial qualifying session, Sampey charged back in session number two with a 6.949-second trip at 192.41 mph to fall in behind provisional pole sitter, Andrew Hines.
"That was a good comeback for sure," said the three-time world champion. "I had to shut off early after drifting towards the wall in that first run, so to return with the number we put up was terrific."
Brown also improved in session two as he moved from eighth to sixth with a 6.978-second tour at 191.89 mph.
"We're getting there," offered Brown. "I really feel good about the next couple of days. As long as we keep improving, I'll be happy. Ultimately, I'd love to be standing in winner's circle come Sunday."
A native of Chesterfield, N.J., Brown is already busy entertaining many friends and family members.
"Some were here today and I'm sure more are coming tomorrow and Sunday," he said. "The trip to Englishtown is always special."
Schumacher Jumps into Number One Starting Spot
Sampey Second, Brown Sixth
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - U.S. Army Top Fuel driver, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, secured the provisional number one starting position here Friday after the opening day of action for the ProCare Rx Supernationals at Raceway Park.
In Pro Stock Motorcycles, U.S. Army Suzuki pilots, Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown, ended up second and sixth, respectively.
Top Fuel
Schumacher, who entered the race weekend fifth in the standings, recorded a track-record setting 4.455-second pass at 331.94 mph during the evening session and that was good enough for the top slot.
"Just outstanding," said the defending world champion. "We saw (Rod) Fuller go out and run quick (4.479-seconds), so we knew the track could hold a stout number. Fortunately, the car stayed nice and straight and we were able to get around Fuller as a result."
The Chicago native is going for his fifth pole of the season and the 40th of his career. It would also be his first pole at Raceway Park, a track he's never won at.
"This is one place where I've just not been able to get a trophy," he added. "It would certainly be nice to break that streak. Plus, we could use a shot of momentum for the coming stretch of races."
The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will move from Englishtown, N.J. to Norwalk, Ohio next weekend before stopping in Bristol, Tenn., Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif. on successive weekends.
"This is definitely a critical point in the season," said Schumacher. "There will be no rest for the weary."
Pro Stock Motorcycles
After being part of the not qualified group following the initial qualifying session, Sampey charged back in session number two with a 6.949-second trip at 192.41 mph to fall in behind provisional pole sitter, Andrew Hines.
"That was a good comeback for sure," said the three-time world champion. "I had to shut off early after drifting towards the wall in that first run, so to return with the number we put up was terrific."
Brown also improved in session two as he moved from eighth to sixth with a 6.978-second tour at 191.89 mph.
"We're getting there," offered Brown. "I really feel good about the next couple of days. As long as we keep improving, I'll be happy. Ultimately, I'd love to be standing in winner's circle come Sunday."
A native of Chesterfield, N.J., Brown is already busy entertaining many friends and family members.
"Some were here today and I'm sure more are coming tomorrow and Sunday," he said. "The trip to Englishtown is always special."
