Hight scores at sponsor’s race, WJ gets long-overdue win

Words compiled from team press releases by Kay Burk
Photos by Jeff Burk

The title sponsor of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway got the most bang for its buck Sunday, May 2, as defending
NHRA Full Throttle Series
Funny Car champion
Robert Hight, also
sponsored by AAA, got
his 15th career victory.

Warren Johnson and Tony
Schumacher returned to the
winner’s circle and Michael Phillips
got his first win of the season.

TOP FUEL

U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher captured his second victory of the season at this race.

“That one was for our Army Strong Soldiers,” said Schumacher. “It’s been a while since we visited victory lane. We owed our brave men and women a trophy.”

Schumacher’s last win came in March – at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. Subsequent to that race, he failed to advance beyond the second round over the next three events.

“We were overdue to have a productive day,” said the Chicago-area resident. “After the Las Vegas race a couple of weeks ago, we stayed over and tested and it paid off big-time. Typically, when we have a positive test like we had in Vegas, we go on to win the next race.”
           
Prior to taking out Kalitta, Schumacher had to beat the likes of Scott Palmer, Pat Dakin and Larry Dixon. Against Dixon, who leads the points, Schumacher laid down a 3.863-second run at 305.29 mph despite not having lane choice.

“That was a huge round win right there,” said Schumacher. “They’re a great team and you have to be on your game to have a chance of beating them. The guys dug down deep for that one.”