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U.S. Army team heads to Reading to complete rained out event

We're heading back to lightning-fast Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa. this weekend for the completion of the Lucas Oil Nationals.

What was supposed to be an off weekend has turned into yet another race weekend in the Keystone State after we were rained out two weeks ago.

You may recall, in the one and only qualifying session that we got in before the skies opened up, the U.S. Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team turned the world upside down with a 4.465-second pass.

While Doug Kalitta, Cory McClenathan and I all went quicker in Chicago last weekend (Kalitta actually posted a blistering 4.428-second run), I now have the opportunity to set the world record for the quickest pass in NHRA history.

Kalitta, Cory Mac and I failed to back up our runs in Chicago, which is required by NHRA rules to get the record. Heading to Reading, I have a leg up on those guys having already gone 4.465-seconds. If in one of my passes this weekend I put up a 4.509-second pass or better, I will get the record.

By the way, in case you were wondering, Kenny Bernstein currently holds the elapsed time record  4.477-seconds set in 2001 at Route 66 Raceway outside of Chicago.

While the potential of setting a new record hovers over our camp, the real objective, as always, is to win the race. We've gotten used to having late workdays on Sundays the last month or so.

In our last four races, we've pocketed three finals (with two wins resulting), and a semifinals appearance. Because of that effort, we have now moved into third-place in the Top Fuel point standings.

With four races remaining, counting this weekend, we have an outside shot at catching Doug Kalitta for second. We just want to finish as high as we can by season's end. This is all about planting the thought in everyone's mind that we're going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2004. We're going for the world title next year, that's all there is to it.

To that end, it's time to prepare for our next assault on the Top Fuel field in Reading. "The Sarge" extends his traditional group salute. Believe it or not, we're right back on the road next week, traveling to the O'Reilly Fall Nationals outside of Dallas. Until then, stay well.

Tony Schumacher drives the United States Army sponsored Top Fuel dragster in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.