Tony Schumacher Sets Date for Return to NHRA Top Fuel Competition

It's better late than never for eight-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, who will make is long-awaited 2025 season debut at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The 55-year-old Schumacher will pilot the No. 15 American Communications Construction top fuel dragster for Rick Ware Racing.

It's been a frustrating season to date for Schumacher, who was unable to secure a full-season sponsor for the 2025 campaign. American Communcations and RWR plan to support Schumacher for the U.S. Nationals and the six races that follow to close out the season.

Schumacher hopes to return to the series for a full-season run in 2026.

“The U.S. Nationals has always been special to me, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to Indy with Rick Ware Racing and Texas-based American Communications Construction,” said Schumacher, who tested at Virginia Motorsports Park in June. “I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible moments at this event over the years, and getting back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster at the ‘Big Go’ in front of the most passionate fans in all of motorsports means a lot. It’s the biggest race of the season, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

The addition of Schumacher to the lineup makes RWR an even tougher out for the Top Fuel class, as RWRs Clay Millican comes to Indy as the defending U.S. Nationals winner in the class.

“Winning the U.S. Nationals last year was one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Millican. “It’s the race every driver wants to win, and to go back to Indy as the defending champ is really special.

"Having Tony Schumacher join the team makes it even better. He’s a part of NHRA history, and to have someone with his knowledge and experience is a huge asset. Two sets of inputs, two perspectives—it makes RWR stronger, and I’m excited for what we can accomplish together.”

First up for Millican is the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd, Minn. He heads to Brainerd seventh in the Top Fuel standings.