Eight-time world champion Schumacher was quickest in Top Fuel with a 3.722 second run at 323.66 mph in his U.S. Army dragster.

“The second run was a good run,” said Schumacher, a two-time winner of the tradition-rich Winternationals. “We got the number one spot and earned a few points and I am proud of the guys. It’s a good start. I am excited and my crew chief [Mike Green] is excited. Everything is looking great. I’ve been blessed to drive a race car for a living. I think we’ll go faster.”

Schumacher edged Clay Millican for the top spot late in the second round of qualifying. Millican was second with a 3.746 at 324.36 and Richie Crampton sits third in his Lucas Oil dragster with a 3.748 at 322.65. Brittany Force led after the first session with a 3.753 at 319.98 in her Monster Energy dragster.

Schumacher, who posted a 3.68-second run during last weekend’s NHRA Nitro Spring Training at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Phoenix, had one of the quickest and most consistent cars during the four-day pre-season test session. That gives he and his entire U.S. Army team a lot of good vibes going into the 2016 campaign.