Tommy Johnson Jr. will begin his first day of employment for Don Schumacher Racing on December 1.

Team owner Don Schumacher confirmed this with CompetitionPlus.com today in an interview.

Johnson is slated to drive one of two Top Fuel dragsters destined for the Yas Marina circuit based in Abu Dhabi. The driver of the second car has yet to be determined.

Lee Beard will serve as Johnson’s crew chief.

Tommy Johnson Jr. will begin his first day of employment for Don Schumacher Racing on December 1.

Team owner Don Schumacher confirmed this with CompetitionPlus.com today in an interview.

Johnson is slated to drive one of two Top Fuel dragsters destined for the Yas Marina circuit based in Abu Dhabi. The driver of the second car has yet to be determined.

Lee Beard will serve as Johnson’s crew chief.

“They [Yas Marina] will own them, we will build the cars and hire the crews,” said Schumacher.

Johnson’s last driving job was with Kenny Bernstein Racing, when he piloted the Monster Energy drink-sponsored Funny Car.

“After sitting out a year, it’s not nearly as exciting sitting on the sidelines watching as it is driving,” said Johnson. “I didn’t care if it was a dragster or a funny car; I just wanted to be back driving again. I missed competing.”

Johnson admits that with his competitive spirit that it was difficult to fill the role of spectator.

“If you’re not careful, it will beat you up mentally,” Johnson said. “The competitive drive in you heats up and you see others doing it and you want to too. It provides you with a lot of drive and determination to get back out there. The biggest thing that I had going for me is that a lot of other good drivers were out of work too.”

Schumacher confirmed that he’s held discussions with a number of qualified candidates to drive the second car.

“I really haven’t looked at anyone seriously at this early stage,” Schumacher said. “I’ve talked to Whit Bazemore, as well as other numerous drivers. It just depends on how things develop in the next 15 – 30 days.”

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