Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Erica Enders- Stevens (Pro Stock) took home their first Wallys of the 2013 season from the NHR Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway. Schumacher and Capps, both Don Schumacher Racing drivers, earned wins 197 and 198 for the team.
Schumacher, the No. 3 qualifier in Top Fuel, earned round wins against rookie Sidnei Frigo, Khalid alBalooshi and DSR teammate Antron Brown on his way to the final round against Morgan Lucas.
It was the fourth consecutive final round appearance for Schumacher dating back to last season.“Four finals in a row, it’s unbelievable that our team is that good,” said Schumacher. “Win number 70. I like that number. I was stuck on 69 for a long time.”
Capps, the No. 5 qualifier in Funny Car, beat his DSR teammate Matt Hagan in the final round. Capps earned early round wins over Tony and Cruz Pedregon and Tim Wilkerson on the way to the finals.
“We are starting to feel like we are getting into the same rhythm that we were last year when we went to six finals in a row,” said Capps. “I think that both Rahn and I built up some confidence in each other (with our runner-up) at Pomona, and now here.”
Enders-Stevens, who qualified seventh in Pro Stock, earned wins over Shane Gray, V, Gaines and Jason Line before meeting Mike Edwards in the final round.
“Coming off the season we had last year, and starting the way that we did this year, it was a kind of a gut check in that we wonder if we can ever get it done again,” said Enders-Stevens. “Our guys really worked their butts off during the winter, but we didn’t get the chance to test a lot. And I was a little bit nervous coming into this year because the other big teams got to test a lot. But our guys proved that they can pick up where they left off, and I’m excited.”
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is off until March 14th through 17th, when the teams head to Gainesville, Florida for the historic Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Stay up-to-date with the NHRA at www.nhra.com.
Quotes in this piece provided by the NHRA.
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