Schumacher Joins RWR Starting With U.S. Nationals

Tony Schumacher (Marc Gewertz photo)

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Tony Schumacher, the winningest Top Fuel driver in the history of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, will make his return to the driver’s seat on Labor Day weekend during the biggest drag race in the world.

Schumacher has joined Rick Ware Racing to pilot the No. 15 American Communications Construction Top Fuel dragster at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Aug. 29-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

A 10-time winner of the U.S. Nationals, Schumacher holds the class record for victories in the Big Go. An 11th win would tie the all-time event mark held by Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo.

“The U.S. Nationals has always been special to me, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to Indy with Rick Ware Racing and American Communications Construction,” Schumacher said. “I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible moments at this event over the years, and getting back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster at the ‘Big Go’ in front of the most passionate fans in all of motorsports means a lot.

“It’s the biggest race of the season, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

American Communications Construction will serve as the primary partner for Schumacher and RWR’s No. 15 Top Fuel dragster going forward.

The Texas-based telecommunications company will debut with Schumacher at the U.S. Nationals and remain with the eight-time Top Fuel champion through the NHRA season finale Nov. 13-16 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in California.

“The NHRA is a natural fit for American Communications Construction because it reflects the fast-moving, high-performance environment we operate in every day,” said Aven McBride, president of American Communications Construction. “We build the infrastructure that keeps people and businesses connected, and doing that well requires focus, teamwork and a commitment to excellence – qualities that Tony Schumacher and Rick Ware Racing embody.

“Launching our partnership at the U.S. Nationals is a proud moment for our company, and we’re excited to grow our presence with Tony and RWR.”

The final seven races of this NHRA campaign sets the stage for a full-season, Top Fuel assault in 2026.

Schumacher will be paired with veteran tuner Rob Flynn, and together with American Communications Construction, they will be a mainstay in the NHRA paddock alongside current RWR Top Fuel driver Clay Millican and crew chief Jim Oberhofer.

“These last seven races are a great opportunity for us to build something strong for 2026,” said Schumacher, an 88-time Top Fuel winner. “It’s about getting everyone dialed in – learning, improving and laying the foundation for next year. I’m proud to have American Communications Construction on board as we take these next steps together.”

Schumacher’s two most recent Top Fuel wins came last year in the Thunder Valley Nationals June 9 at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway and the Midwest Nationals Sept. 29 at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill.

The Chicago native and resident of Austin, Texas, made it to last year’s Countdown to the Championship for the 15th time since its inception in 2007. Schumacher finished eighth in the final standings.

“The U.S. Nationals is the biggest race on the NHRA calendar, and we’re going into it with two of the best Top Fuel drivers in Clay Millican and Tony Schumacher,” said team owner Rick Ware. “Last year, Clay delivered RWR its first Indy win, and to come back as the defending winner with a lineup that now includes Tony Schumacher – who’s had more success at this event than anyone in Top Fuel history – is huge.

“We’ve got a lot of weight on our shoulders to deliver for Clay and Tony and all of our partners, but that’s how we like it.”

Millican delivered RWR its first U.S. Nationals win in 2024 when he defeated four-time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence in the 70th edition of the event.

It was Millican’s seventh NHRA Top Fuel event win, and the driver of the No. 51 machine nabbed his eighth career victory earlier this season at Pomona when he defeated Tony Stewart with an impressive .038-second reaction time.

“Winning the U.S. Nationals last year was one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Millican, the winningest driver in IHRA history and a six-time IHRA champion. “It’s the race every driver wants to win, and to go back to Indy as the defending champ is really special.

“Having Tony Schumacher join the team makes it even better. He’s a part of NHRA history, and having someone with his knowledge and experience is a huge asset,” Millican added. “Two sets of inputs and two perspectives will make RWR stronger, and I’m excited for what we can accomplish together.”

Broadcast coverage of final eliminations at the 71st U.S. Nationals airs Monday, Sept. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. ET, beginning on FS1 before moving to FOX at 2 p.m. ET.