BROWNSBURG, Ind. – Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher will deliver tire-smoking Memorial Day salutes on behalf of Don Schumacher Racing and its sponsors on May 27 before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Cup races usually end with the winner celebrating with smoky donuts but for the first time at a NASCAR race a pair of 8,000-horsepower Top Fuel Dragsters will light up their giant rear slicks as part of the typically exciting pre-race show put on by the track in Concord, N.C.
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series nitro-fueled, 300-mph dragsters have performed burnouts before NASCAR races before but it’s believed this will be the first time two have unleashed the power equivalent to 16 Cup stock cars.
“Tony and Antron, along with their crews, wanted to spend Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte to help show appreciation for those of who have served our country and salute what their sacrifices mean to all Americans,” said Don Schumacher, who owns the seven-car DSR operation in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
Tony, the seven-time Top Fuel world champion, echoed his father’s thoughts.
“I look forward to putting on a good show for the NASCAR fans in Charlotte,” he said. “More importantly, given the weekend’s significance, I welcome the opportunity to join so many folks in remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“Needless to say, I will also be supporting my U.S. Army NASCAR teammate Ryan Newman and really hope he can win the race – it would be a great gift to all of our Army Strong Soldiers.”
Brown, who also represents the U.S. Army, is equally honored by the opportunity.
“It’s giving back. Tony is my U.S. Army teammate and we’re going out to give a little something back for what all of our soldiers have done for us and give them a little extra show.
“NHRA drag racing is a true, true American born and grown sport. We’re going to use our dragsters to give a special salute to our veterans and all the men and women in the Armed Forces.”