Backstretch Motorsports

Beckman, Humphreys and Johnson also earn victories at first NHRA drag race at zMax Dragway

CONCORD, N.C. – Tony Schumacher became the NHRA all-time Top Fuel wins leader Sunday at the inaugural NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMax Dragway by racing to his 53rd career victory and moving past NHRA legend and longtime record holder Joe Amato.

Jack Beckman, Justin Humphreys and Steve Johnson also were winners in their respective categories at the first of six races in the NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to 1, NHRA’s playoffs.

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MOHNTON, Pa. – In a final round that matched teacher against student, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman raced to his second win of the season at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals.

Tony Schumacher, Jeg Coughlin, and Matt Smith also were winners at the 17th of 24 events on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

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KENT, Wash. – Jack Beckman (shown left) describes the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series as the “Top Gun” for race car drivers. Its categories are the fastest motorsports contests in the world; where extremity runs headlong into a deep pool of stubborn talent.

And it’s where, as rookies soon find out, being just ‘good’ doesn’t always win.

Most of the focus in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing is, naturally, what happens during a run – the four-point-something-seconds-plus between the green light and a win light.

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BROWNSBURG, Ind. - Effective immediately, Johnny West has been named crew chief on the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman.

Phoenix native West replaces Rick Cassel and will work with tuner Tommy DeLago on the Valvoline/MTS car out of Don Schumacher Racing’s Brownsburg, Ind., race shop. As is the general rule at DSR, West will work hand-in-hand with the other DSR Funny Car crew chiefs, including Todd Okuhara, Phil Shuler and Ed McCulloch. “We wish Rick Cassel all the best in his future endeavors,” said team owner Don Schumacher.

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