Auto Club NHRA Finals
Event 22 of 22
Countdown Event 6 of 6
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona
Pomona, Calif.
Nov. 11-13, 2022
POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2022) – The Maynard Family Racing team closed out the 2022 NHRA Camping World Series season by campaigning a ‘giving car’ for the second consecutive event, this time representing A Soldier’s Child (ASC) on Veteran’s Day weekend at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. With 18 Top Fuelers vying to make Sunday’s elimination show, Tony Schumacher powered his 11,000-horsepower machine to the fourth-quickest run of the opening qualifying session, clocking a 3.759 E.T. to put his machine comfortably in the field. By the time he rolled through the waterbox for Saturday’s first session, Schumacher had been bumped back to 12th, but his team cranked it up and tuned the DSR Performance-powered ASC dragster to a stout 3.701-second pass, which held up to be third-quickest of the session and launched Schumacher back into the top half of the field. Starting race day from eighth, Schumacher faced No. 9 qualifier Clay Millican in the opening round of eliminations, and the two were the first pair of competitors to hit the track on Sunday morning. The eight-time Top Fuel world champ stood on the gas ready to battle it out for the round win but a loss of traction right at the hit of the throttle ended his chances at making a run through the NHRA Finals Top Fuel field. “Today was quite surprising,” Schumacher said of his first-round loss. “The car was running well this weekend. It was fast. We got it in the 330-mile-per-hour range during qualifying. But, I think we had the car set up a little quick today. I think it was set up to run quicker than any car we saw make it down the track in the first round. We had it set for the .60s but low E.T. was in the 70s, so I think we were just too fast. “At the end of the day, we’re out here doing what we love and it was an honor to represent the A Soldier’s Child charity this weekend. It’s a great cause and they do wonderful things for so many deserving families,” Schumacher added of his special ASC livery. Before Sunday’s eliminations got underway, Schumacher was joined onstage during pre-race ceremonies by team owner Joe Maynard, Daryl Mackin Founder/Executive Director of ASC, and the Harris family, a Gold Star family who enjoyed a fun day at the drags thanks to ASC and the Maynards. ASC is a national nonprofit that aims to serve the children of fallen military personnel who lost their lives while on active duty. Fans wishing to support the Maynard Family Racing team’s efforts in raising funds for A Soldier’s Child can make a donation by visiting asoldierschild.org. Additionally, merchandise benefitting ASC can be purchased via the Maynard Family Racing e-store. Schumacher and the Maynard Family Racing team closed out the 2022 NHRA Camping World Series season ranked 12th in the Top Fuel standings. While Schumacher is eager to begin his 2023 campaign, he’s also ready for some time to rest and recharge over the off-season. “We’re looking forward to starting with some fresh parts and pieces, a new car, and just starting with a hard reset next year,” said the 86-time race winner. “This off-season will be a welcome break. I had a few years off, and this year was all about getting back into the groove but I’m looking forward to next year. 2023 is going to be outstanding. SCAG is excited, we’re excited, and we’re ready for a championship season.” The 2023 NHRA Camping World Series commences with the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 10-12. Qualified: No. 8 (3.701 E.T. at 331.77 MPH) Elimination Round Results: E1: 6.873 E.T. at 97.33 MPH defeated by Clay Millican 3.746 E.T. at 282.84 MPH
