The inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout, presented by Johnson's Horsepowered Garage, will feature a special Top Fuel vs. Funny Car Shootout, with the winner being awarded the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award. Don Schumacher, a legendary figure in professional drag racing, will be honored during the event, which will take place from February 8-10 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. 

“Don Schumacher was one of the most influential people in the sport of professional drag racing,” said Alan Johnson, president, Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO). “Don was a longtime board member of PRO and contributed so much to the group. He created a lasting legacy, and we all felt it was important to pay tribute to him during the PRO Superstar Shootout. Don was passionate about Top Fuel and Funny Car, so it made sense to create this special award for the winner of the Top Fuel vs. Funny Car Shootout.”

Schumacher, a former NHRA team owner and Funny Car pioneer, passed away on December 20, 2023, and the award is a fitting tribute to his immense contributions to the sport. His legacy includes 19 NHRA world championship titles and 367 Wally trophies across various NHRA categories and Factory Stock Showdown.

Megan Schumacher, president of Don Schumacher Racing, expressed her gratitude towards the Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) for honoring her father's memory with the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award. 

“As a longtime member of the Professional Racers Owners Organization, it is incredibly touching that the PRO board has chosen to celebrate Don’s memory with the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award,” said Megan Schumacher, president, Don Schumacher Racing. “As everyone knows, Don was a fierce competitor and he loved nitro racing, so it’s only fitting that his legacy lives on with an award that is competition-based. Thank you to the PRO board for choosing to honor him in this way.”

The PRO Superstar Shootout, an invitation-only race featuring elite drivers from Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock, will provide a platform for showcasing their talents. Apart from the eight-car fields, $250,000 will be awarded to the winners in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, adding to the excitement of the event.

The inclusion of the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award will elevate the significance of victory for the winner. The award was meticulously crafted by metal artist Tom Patsis, who was formerly associated with Don Schumacher Racing before pursuing his own artistic endeavors under the Cold Hart Art banner.