Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher has been to victory lane 42 times in his career, but he’s quick to note that only a handful of those wins carry special meaning.

“There’s no question that my two wins at the ACDelco Gatornationals (in 2004 and 2007) are among a small group that stands out from all the rest,” said the defending NHRA POWERade world champion. “We have some prestigious races that dot the schedule every year, but clearly the Gatornationals is one of those big-time events that you want to capture at some point or another.”

When Schumacher takes to Gainesville Raceway this weekend for round three of the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, he will be attempting to become only the fourth Top Fuel pilot to claim three victories in the Sunshine State. Joe Amato pocketed four Gatornationals trophies between 1984 and 1997.

“History aside, we just want to go down to Gainesville and run well,” added the Chicago native. “We’re off to a nice start this season, so we’d like to keep moving in the right direction.” Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher has been to victory lane 42 times in his career, but he’s quick to note that only a handful of those wins carry special meaning.

“There’s no question that my two wins at the ACDelco Gatornationals (in 2004 and 2007) are among a small group that stands out from all the rest,” said the defending NHRA POWERade world champion. “We have some prestigious races that dot the schedule every year, but clearly the Gatornationals is one of those big-time events that you want to capture at some point or another.”

When Schumacher takes to Gainesville Raceway this weekend for round three of the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, he will be attempting to become only the fourth Top Fuel pilot to claim three victories in the Sunshine State. Joe Amato pocketed four Gatornationals trophies between 1984 and 1997.

“History aside, we just want to go down to Gainesville and run well,” added the Chicago native. “We’re off to a nice start this season, so we’d like to keep moving in the right direction.”

Following a win in the season opener at Pomona, Calif. and then a semifinal round advancement at Phoenix three weeks ago, Schumacher holds a slight one point advantage over Larry Dixon in the Top Fuel standings.

“Having the point lead right now is fine, but it’s way too early to be thinking about the prospect of winning another title,” he said. “You can’t state it enough that consistency is critical if you want to achieve success in this sport. It’s imperative that we go rounds this Sunday.”

Thus far, Schumacher has been able to avoid the dreaded first round loss bug that managed to bite him 12 times last year.

“We were pretty fortunate to win our fourth straight championship given all of those early round exits,” he offered. “You definitely want to stay away from first round losses if at all possible. They can come back to haunt you later on for sure.

“We know it’s going to take a huge effort for us to return to victory lane this weekend in Gainesville. But, just like our Army Strong soldiers, this team has the strength to get the job done.”

In addition to being a two-time Gatornationals winner, Schumacher holds the Gainesville Raceway record for speed – 333.95 mph – set in 2005.