Top Fuel champ targets records

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Tony Schumacher has churned out so many records Elvis would be jealous.

And he could set a couple of more today.

Schumacher can lock up his fifth straight Top Fuel title by qualifying solidly in today’s first professional sessions of the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The 38-year-old Chicago resident didn’t clinch his last two titles until the season finale in Pomona, Calif.

"I’m going to enjoy the last two (events) as much as I ever have in my life," Schumacher said. "That’s not to say going down to the last run is not enjoyable, but it’s almost ruthless, weight-of-the-world pressure on you. This time I’m going to go and have a good time."

He leads Hillary Will by 212 points in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series standings. The last time Schumacher didn’t qualify for Sunday elimination rounds was in 2003.

His Don Schumacher Racing team has dominated like no other in Top Fuel history. Schumacher has six NHRA records and could set marks for Top Fuel championships (six) and consecutive championships (five) today.

The team has won 71 of 79 races this year and 14 of 24 event titles, including eight of the last nine. Schumacher has won three titles at Las Vegas.

"Even when everything wasn’t perfect, somebody else would make a mistake against us. So the records are just enormous. This was just a crazy, awesome year for one particular team."

But Schumacher will face a significant loss at the end of the season when Alan Johnson, his crew chief since 2003, leaves to operate his own Top Fuel and Funny Car teams with a reported $11 million in funding from Sheik Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.

"When I heard A.J. was leaving, I thought, ‘OK, all right, brutal,’ " Schumacher said. "I love working with the guy. He’s a great crew chief, best that’s ever been. But there’s so much more to a program than just one guy."

Schumacher said his father, Don Schumacher, could announce Johnson’s replacement this weekend. One hang-up could be that the younger Schumacher is considering a shift to Funny Car.

"We’ll take the day as it comes," Tony Schumacher said. "I love a new challenge … haven’t made up my mind what I want to do. All I know is it’s going to be some form of drag racing."

Funny Car driver Del Worsham will race for Johnson’s new team next year, and former Top Fuel champ Larry Dixon has been rumored to join him. A more wild rumor is that Johnson will drive his own Top Fueler.

"I love the rumors that (Johnson) is going to drive his own car," Schumacher said. "I don’t think he will, but, man, wouldn’t that be fun. I’d love to run against him.

"I’m sitting back and waiting to see what happens there."

Schumacher is spending much more time reflecting on the past 10 months and the most dominant season in any form of motor sports.

Go to LVRJ.com/blogs/heavypedal for more on the NHRA event.

TOP FUEL RECORDS SET THIS YEAR BY TONY SCHUMACHER

• Career wins (55)

• Wins in single season (14)

• Consecutive event titles in single season (7)

• Consecutive round wins (31)

• Final rounds in single season (17)

• Consecutive final rounds (10)