Tony and Don Schumacher
Leah Pruett with Schumacher of several careers . Schumacher is the only team owner to have wins from each of NHRA ’ s four professional categories . He was also successful in the Factory Stock Showdown Series , winning the 2018 title in only his second year of campaigning cars in the category . Schumacher ’ s teams have amassed 19 NHRA world championship titles and 367 Wally trophies , including the five he won while behind the wheel of a Funny Car .
During his driving career , he contributed cutting-edge safety innovations for the new Funny Car category , including a roof-mounted escape hatch that allowed drivers to quickly exit when all-toofrequent fires occurred . He was also the first to mount the lever that activated a fire suppression system on his Funny Car ’ s brake handle so the driver could apply both while keeping one hand on the steering wheel . As a team owner , he funded and spearheaded a project to develop a protective , enclosed canopy for Top Fuel dragsters , which has since been adopted by multiple NHRA teams .
Schumacher was also intent on utilizing his team ’ s fleet of race cars to raise money and awareness for various charities . Each year ahead of the U . S . Nationals , DSR hosts a pre-race event at its Brownsburg , Indiana , headquarters to benefit Riley Hospital for Children , and for seven seasons , Schumacher , along with Terry and Doug
DI ’ s own Brett Underwood and Schumacher on one of their many golf trips .
Chandler , campaigned ‘ giving cars .’ The program enabled non-profits , such as the Infinite Hero Foundation , Make-A-Wish Foundation , and MD Anderson Cancer Center to be recognized through a dedicated tribute livery at no cost to the organization . The impact Schumacher had both on and off the racetrack is undeniable .
In more recent years , Schumacher turned his focus to growing Don Schumacher Motorsports , more commonly known as DSM Precision Manufacturing and DSR Performance . DSR Performance is considered one of the sport ’ s leading race engineering and aftermarket parts brands . DSM Precision Manufacturing is a successful precision manufacturing supplier for the motorsports , defense , and aerospace industries . These entities will continue to honor the business legacy of Schumacher .
When not at a racetrack or leading his teams of employees , Schumacher enjoyed spending time with his children , grandchildren , fishing , and golfing .
In the days following Schumacher ’ s passing , his family , friends , drivers , and competitors shared tributes and memorials on social media .
“ I can ’ t believe we lost my Dad last night ,” said Tony Schumacher , who won eight Top Fuel world championships , including a dominant six-year streak in the 2000s . “ I was able to spend a lot of time with him this month and I ’ m so grateful to have those memories with him . Because of his hard work and passion , he helped shaped our sport to be what it is today .”
“ The sport lost a legend today , one that I had the luxury to work with for a majority of my career ,” said Matt Hagan , who won three of his four NHRA Funny Car world championships driving for Schumacher . “ Driver , team owner , teacher ,
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