U.S. Army dragster unveiled, breaks track record

INDIANAPOLIS — The new U.S. Army dragster was unveiled to thousands of race fans at the O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis Sept. 3.

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,” NHRA President Bob Compton said. “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.”

Tony Schumacher, a six-time world champion driver, raced the U.S. Army dragster during the 56th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil at the O’Reilly Raceway Park over Labor Day weekend.

“We started 10 years ago right here,” Schumacher said. “Looking back at the accomplishments we’ve had it’s just amazing. It’s been 10 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,” Schumacher said.

Schumacher 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 6 mph and finishing third for the evening.



“The Army has been blessed with three of the sport’s finest drivers: Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey and Tony Schumacher,” said U.S. Army Accessions Command Commanding General LTG Benjamin Freakley, who was present during the unveiling of the new Army dragster. “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.”

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 Schumaker. “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.”

This story was originally published September 16, 2010 at 4:36 PM with the headline "U.S. Army dragster unveiled, breaks track record."