New capsule for Schumacher Top Fueler

Judging from Wednesday's results of closed testing at the South Florida speed complex that included other top NHRA teams, Don Schumacher Racing is close to where it wants all seven of its teams to be when points and trophies are awarded at the NHRA Winternationals season-opener on Feb. 9-12 in Pomona, Calif.

Tony Schumacher was more pleased with the success of the new capsule than his car's speed and time.

"It's safer. That's what matters most," Schumacher said. "This capsule would be available to any team that wants to use one. It's not about a performance advantage, it's about keeping the driver safer."

Team owner Don Schumacher, who resides about 30 minutes from the track, didn't miss a run and was very pleased with the first two testing days. And that was before "Sarge" unloaded his big run near the end of the day.

"Very happy. Very happy," Don said as he stood in the staging lanes. "Our program is not to come down here and run big elapsed times and big speeds. We came to learn what will work and what won't when the season starts.

"I agree with Tony that the most impressive aspect of what we've accomplished so far has been how well the driver's compartment has worked with Army dragster.

"It's all been really good."

Here's how other DSR drivers did Wednesday:

Tony Schumacher, U.S. Army TF Dragster: 3.761 seconds, 324.28 mph
Johnny Gray, Service Central Dodge: 4.084 seconds, 312.06 mph
Ron Capps, NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge: 4.10, 306 mph
Matt Hagan, Aaron's Dream Machine Dodge: 4.140 seconds, 307.44 mph
Spencer Massey, FRAM TF Dragster: 3.802 seconds, 322.81 mph
Antron Brown, Matco Tools TF Dragster: 3.814 mph, 321.58 mph

Closed testing continues today. The week culminates Friday and Saturday nights with the PRO Winter Warm-Up at PBIR when spectators will get to experience a preview of the coming 2012 drag racing season.  (Mark Rebilas photos courtesy DSR) [1/19/2012]