Tony Schumacher is sure that Alan Johnson has a long list of drivers seeking to join his forthcoming Al-Anabi Top Fuel team. The five time champion says the line will be just as long with those seeking the role as tuner for the U.S. Army team.

Who wouldn’t want the gig considering Schumacher drove his way to his 54th national event victory and eighth in the last ninth races?

“We’re not going to slum, we are going to have the cream of the crop,” Schumacher said. “We already have some great people within our team.” Tony Schumacher is sure that Alan Johnson has a long list of drivers seeking to join his forthcoming Al-Anabi Top Fuel team. The five time champion says the line will be just as long with those seeking the role as tuner for the U.S. Army team.

Who wouldn’t want the gig considering Schumacher drove his way to his 54th national event victory and eighth in the last ninth races?

“We’re not going to slum, we are going to have the cream of the crop,” Schumacher said. “We already have some great people within our team.”

Thus far only two crew members off of the Schumacher team have committed to leaving and such a move doesn’t anger Schumacher or team owner Don Schumacher, who scored his 120th victory as a team owner since 1998.

“There are no chains on anyone and you really don’t want anyone who doesn’t want to be there,” Don Schumacher added, answering questions regarding how many more will follow Johnson.

As of now the Army team will be losing their top three members in the tuning braintrust. Also traveling with Johnson will be assistant crew chiefs Jason McCulloch and Brian Husen.

Schumacher is not getting involved in the ego game that many believe is going on behind the scenes.

“I love it,” Schumacher said, regarding the reality he’ll face Johnson in 2009. “It’s not about the trophy; it’s about what it took to get it. When you beat that team it’s going to be tough. No wonder what happens, it’s going to be tough. You’re looking at a Goliath versus Goliath match.”

Schumacher even admitted, he’d put his hat in the ring for the Johnson gig as a driver if he didn’t drive for his dad and the U.S. Army.

“I just wouldn’t leave the opportunity I have here,” Schumacher admitted. “You just can’t put a price tag on it.”

Schumacher said he’s not bothered that Johnson gets a monster share of the 2008 season recognition because as he puts it, “he’s a monster share of the deal.”

“If you ask him, he can tune the car because of the driver,” Schumacher added. “He does it differently than he would if he had to be cautious. We all do a helluva job together.

“I will tell you that whoever he hires, I feel sorry for the guy. When you have a monster car you have monster pressure. There’s only a few guys out there who can deal with that stuff. People out here break with less pressure. They haven’t seen pressure until they get in his car. If you don’t win it’s because you suck.

“It’s a gift to have him and I’ve won an awful lot of races because of him. I understand why he is doing this but his leaving isn’t going to be the end of my winning.”