BRISTOL, Tenn. - Tony Schumacher was able to lock down his first Top Fuel victory of the season Sunday as he emerged victorious at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) were also victorious.
Schumacher powered to the win with a run of 3.946-seconds at 313.58 mph to take down Mike Salinas in the final round. It marks Schumacher’s third final round of the season and the 150th of his career. He now has six career victories in Bristol in eight career final rounds at the facility.
“We have had little things bite us this season, but we knew we had to overcome adversity and we knew we had a great car that was capable of winning,” Schumacher said. “I’m proud of my team for sticking to our plan, and I know our team is going to be a factor for the rest of the season.”
Schumacher qualified second and defeated Terry McMillen, Pat Dakin and points leader Steve Torrence on his way to victory.
Salinas qualified eighth and took down Leah Pritchett, No. 1 qualifier Clay Millican and Scott Palmer as he secured the first runner-up finish of his career.
Capps secured his first victory of the season and 59th of his career as his 4.234 at 296.37 was enough to take down Bob Tasca III in the finals.
“This is a great facility, and when you roll into this place you get a special feeling,” Capps said. “Getting to the Winner’s Circle at a track like this is even more special, because you feel like you really had to earn it, and this weekend I am proud of what my team accomplished in some tough conditions.”
Capps qualified 11th for the event before defeating John Force, defending Funny Car world champion Robert Hight and J.R. Todd on his path to Winner’s Circle.
Tasca qualified fourth and bested Tim Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and points leader Courtney Force as he reached his first final round since Seattle 2013.
Coughlin, Jr. brought home the Pro Stock victory after driving to a 6.709 at 205.10 to take down points leader Greg Anderson in the final round.
“My team has made some transitions this season and now we are running much faster, and it feels pretty great to be on the right track now this season,” Coughlin, Jr. said. “Winning at Thunder Valley is historic and it feels fantastic, so to be crowned a champion here is really special.”
Coughlin Jr. qualified second and defeated Tommy Lee, Chris McGaha and Drew Skillman as he earned his second win in the past three events.
The 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio from June 21-24.
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series
Bristol Dragway – Bristol, TN
NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals – June 17, 2018
Sunday’s Final Results
Top Fuel — Tony Schumacher, 3.946 seconds, 313.58 mph def. Mike Salinas, 5.251 seconds, 152.18 mph.
Funny Car — Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.234, 296.37 def. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.300, 286.98.
Pro Stock — Jeg Coughlin, Chevy Camaro, 6.709, 205.10 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.741, 205.07.
Point Standings (Top 10)
Top Fuel: 1. Steve Torrence, 896; 2. Clay Millican, 786; 3. Tony Schumacher, 760; 4. Doug Kalitta, 717; 5. Leah Pritchett, 663; 6. Antron Brown, 588; 7. (tie) Brittany Force, 552; Terry McMillen, 552; 9. Scott Palmer, 461; 10. Mike Salinas, 421.
Funny Car: 1. Courtney Force, 937; 2. Jack Beckman, 736; 3. Robert Hight, 717; 4. J.R. Todd, 694; 5. Ron Capps, 693; 6. Matt Hagan, 669; 7. Tommy Johnson Jr., 606; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 508; 9. John Force, 502; 10. Bob Tasca III, 500.
Pro Stock: 1. Greg Anderson, 823; 2. Tanner Gray, 768; 3. Vincent Nobile, 758; 4. Erica Enders, 738; 5. Drew Skillman, 679; 6. Jeg Coughlin, 671; 7. Chris McGaha, 659; 8. Bo Butner, 642; 9. Deric Kramer, 627; 10. Jason Line, 569.
