Renewed optimism

Strong 2002 finish gives hope for even better things in '03

The start of the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season is upon us. I say, let's rock.

The United States Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team eagerly awaits this weekend's K&N Filters Winternationals at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway. I've been ready for this day ever since we finished preseason testing a couple weeks ago. I'm looking forward to making that first official pass of the year.

We enter the new season with renewed optimism after a third-place finish in the 2002 Top Fuel point standings. We're looking to climb the ladder even more this time around.

Obviously, we want to get to the top in '03. Frankly, there's no reason why we can't do it. We have a great team in place and a new crew chief who is considered one of the best in the business.

Wes Cerny, who handled the tuning chores for Cory McClenathan in 2002, takes over for Dan Olson as the crew chief for the Army dragster. He has worked with a prominent group of owners and drivers over the years, including McClenathan, Kenny Bernstein, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, Larry Dixon, Cruz Pedregon, Joe Gibbs and Scotty Cannon.

Wes knows how to win races. He's clearly a valued addition to the Army team. What's even more special is that Dan will remain an integral part of the team, acting as an adviser for all four of Don Schumacher Racing's cars. His expertise will be welcomed.

In addition to the excitement a season opener brings, we will also have the opportunity to compete in the 18th annual Budweiser Shootout on Saturday at the oldest venue on the NHRA circuit.

The event, which pits the top eight qualifiers from 2002, was postponed from last November. I'll square off with Cory Mac in the first round. The Bud Shootout will certainly add to the weekend.

We'd love to start the season with a win in the Bud Shootout, then go on to win the event the next day. Talk about getting off on the right foot.

If a driver wins the Bud Shootout and Sunday's eliminations, he or she will collect the $50,000 double-up bonus offered by the NHRA, bringing the potential earnings for that driver to more than $200,000 for the weekend. That's a nice payday if there ever was one.

With that, I'm off to the "Left Coast." As in the last couple of seasons, you will be hearing from me before every NHRA race weekend throughout the 2003 season. I hope you continue to enjoy the reading as much as I enjoy the writing.

Until right before our visit to Phoenix in two weeks, "The Sarge" extends his usual group salute. Stay well.

Tony Schumacher drives the United States Army sponsored Top Fuel dragster in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

 

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