Schumacher takes number one spot; Sampey ends up second, Brown eighth

11/03/2007

Piloting his familiar black and gold U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster, Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher finished qualifying for the Auto Club Finals here Saturday in the number one starting position.

Schumacher will take to Auto Club Raceway at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday opposite 16th-place qualifier, Alan Bradshaw, for the opening round of eliminations.

In Pro Stock Motorcycles, U.S. Army riders Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown wound up second and eighth, respectively, in the final order.

Top Fuel

After nailing a 4.508-second run at 323.04 mph for his 12th pole of the season, Schumacher immediately said he was eager for race day to arrive so he can slug it out for the 2007 NHRA POWERade world championship.

“We’ve certainly reached the point of no return,” he said. “This is what it’s all about – four guys deciding who will take the title at the last race of the year. Needless to say, we hope to be the last one standing late tomorrow afternoon.”

The Chicago native is seeking an unprecedented fourth straight crown. Last year at the season finale, he tied Joe Amato for the most consecutive Top Fuel titles.

“Man, we’d love to get that record,” he added. “But, we know we’re going to have our hands full starting with the first round. I really can’t wait to see how this all plays out.”

Schumacher will start the day 61 points behind leader, Rod Fuller.

Pro Stock Motorcycles

Sampey, with a sizzling 6.959-second pass at 191.65 mph, advanced from third to second for race day. She will meet 15th-place qualifier, Geno Scali, in the first round of action.

“My U.S. Army Suzuki was really fast today,” said the three-time world champion. “I believe I have an outstanding shot to win this race. Hopefully, if I can get to victory lane, that will help in my efforts to get with a team for next year.”

Brown also got down Pomona’s quarter-mile drag strip in quick fashion on Saturday and as a result busted into the top half of the field.

The New Jersey native, who will be in a Top Fuel dragster next year, will face off with eighth-place qualifier, Craig Treble, in round one.

“It was important to move up in the order,” he said. “With this being my last Pro Stock Motorcycle race, you can imagine how much I want to win tomorrow. Why not go out with a bang, right?

“The good news is that Angelle and I are on opposite sides of the (final eliminations) ladder, so there’s an opportunity for us to meet one last time in the finals. If that scenario developed, it would make this weekend real special.”