U.S. Army dragster unveiled, breaks track record at Indy

By Spc. John Crosby, 120th Public Affairs DetachmentSeptember 9, 2010

Racing
The U.S. Army Dragster roars off the starting line, reaching a speed of 324.83 mph and setting a track record at the O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Sept. 3. The dragster, driven by seven-time world champion Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, marks ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

INDIANAPOLIS -- The new U.S. Army dragster was unveiled to thousands of race fans at the O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis Sept. 3 by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, U.S. Army Accessions Command Commanding General Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver and seven-time world champion Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, Don Schumacher of Don Schumacher Racing and several of the Army's top Soldiers of the year.

The event marked 10 years of partnership between the U.S. Army, the National Hot Rod Association and Don Schumacher Racing.

"To have the Army involved is different than any other form of sponsorship we have out here," said NHRA President Bob Compton "I want to take a moment to thank all of our 1.1 million Army Strong Soldiers out there all over the world serving our country and protecting our freedoms that some of us take for granted because you're doing such a great job."

The U.S. Army dragster was raced by Tony Schumacher during the 56th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil at the O'Reilly Raceway Park over Labor Day weekend.

Schumacher is a six-time Top Fuel champion driver with six world championships driving for the Army, seven total, and 61 national event wins as the Army's driver, 65 total, in addition to several speed and time records in the NHRA.

"We started ten years ago right here," said Tony. "Looking back at the accomplishments we've had it's just amazing. It's been ten years of dominance with the U.S. Army. It's not a sponsorship, it's a brotherhood. We all know that."

"It's something so much bigger than that. It gives us the technology and team work and surrounds us with good people that inspire us to go out there and do great things," said Tony adding Will Ferrell's coined racing phrase "Shake and Bake" with a smile.

Tony went on to set a speed record for the O'Reilly Raceway Park at 324.83 mph, surpassing teammate Antron Brown's previous record by nearly six mph and finishing third for the evening.

"The Army has been blessed with three of the sports finest drivers; Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey and Tony Schumacher," said Freakley referring to the drivers of the U.S. Army NHRA Team.

"They're superb athletes in my book, but more importantly they are people of character. They're leaders of character. They represent good things to the youth of America who want to be like them. Thank you so much for helping us be 'Army Strong' and NHRA strong and putting forth your winning efforts for our team."

The celebration began at Don Schumacher Racing in Brownsburg, Ind., with a car show and an auction of gear and memorabilia. The money was donated to the Riley Children's Foundation in support of Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home.

Plaques were exchanged between U.S. Army officials and Don Schumacher's U.S. Army racing team.

"The Soldier is what this whole deal is really about" said Don of Don Schumaker Racing. "It's the people that allow us to do what we do in our life every day. It's the Soldiers that are out there protecting our country and this world that we live in. All I can say is thank you to all of the Soldiers out there that risk their lives for us every day."

Later in the day and just a few miles down the road, the U.S. Army Top Fuel Car was unveiled and presented to a welcoming crowd from the pit of the O'Reilly Raceway track.

"There's no other driver out there that works harder for his sponsor, than Tony Schumacher," said Preston. "He's done over 160 youth education service program visits, he's visited more than 200 high schools and colleges to talk with the youth out there and encourage them to stay in school, stay in school and pick a career and set goals for themselves. He's participated in over 250 future Soldier Centers of Influence events influencing our youth to continue their education and making themselves better."

"In addition that, he's been to Iraq, he's been to Afghanistan, he's been to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C., he's been to Brooks Medical Center in San Antonio to visit our wounded warriors. He's really been a great advocate out there representing the Army."

"In the Army, we recognize performance with awards and decorations," continued Preston. "And, of course, we recognize potential with promotion. Last year we gave Tony a promotion to Staff Sergeant. We say who better deserves promotion than someone who demonstrates by deeds, not just words. Based on not only his performance but his potential for the future, I'd like to go ahead and publish the order."

Sergeant major of the U.S. Army then pinned Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, promoting him to honorary Sergeant First Class.

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