Winning should never make a driver nervous, especially a three-time world champion. But winning the NHRA Winternationals two weeks ago left Tony Schumacher feeling a bit nervous.

The kind of success Schumacher experienced in the Pomona season-opener gave cause for concern. Quite simply, Schumacher is largely considered to be a late bloomer in the championship chase.

“I began to think that this is not typical of how we begin a season,” he said with a chuckle. “We usually start slow. Suddenly, the tables were turned. I really didn’t know how to deal with that.”

Schumacher has a unique tradition going on. If he loses in the first or second round (at least in the last three seasons), he usually thunders to a championship ten months later.

Winning should never make a driver nervous, especially a three-time world champion. But winning the NHRA Winternationals two weeks ago left Tony Schumacher feeling a bit nervous.

The kind of success Schumacher experienced in the Pomona season-opener gave cause for concern. Quite simply, Schumacher is largely considered to be a late bloomer in the championship chase.

“I began to think that this is not typical of how we begin a season,” he said with a chuckle. “We usually start slow. Suddenly, the tables were turned. I really didn’t know how to deal with that.”

Schumacher has a unique tradition going on. If he loses in the first or second round (at least in the last three seasons), he usually thunders to a championship ten months later. 

 

“I’m constantly getting reminded about the prospect of winning a record sixth world title. Obviously, the goal is to win another championship for our hard-working soldiers. But, with that said, we have to make sure that we only focus on the next race and not look down the road. You definitely can’t take anything or anyone for granted in this sport.” - Tony Schumacher

“I had to laugh at what Alan Johnson (his crew chief) said after winning out in Pomona (Calif.),” added Schumacher. “He said that we’re four rounds ahead of where we were last year at this time. Needless to say, I hope that’s a sign of things to come.”

The odds favor Schumacher headed into this weekend’s Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona.

“After running so well in Pomona, I’m confident that we can do likewise at Firebird,” he said. “I really like Firebird – we tested pretty well there last month and, of course, we’ve won a few races there over the years.”

Schumacher leads the Top Fuel class with three victories at Firebird (2000, 2002 & 2005). He set the track record for elapsed time last year with a sizzling 4.430-second pass in qualifying.

“It seems like the track keeps getting better and better each year,” he said. “I know the concrete at the starting line on up to the 700 foot mark has been replaced and that the shutdown area recently got new asphalt. Those improvements were necessary and should help tremendously.”

With round two of the 2008 campaign fast approaching, Schumacher is intently trying to not look beyond what’s right in front of him.

“I’m constantly getting reminded about the prospect of winning a record sixth world title,” he said. “Obviously, the goal is to win another championship for our hard-working soldiers. But, with that said, we have to make sure that we only focus on the next race and not look down the road. You definitely can’t take anything or anyone for granted in this sport.”