Winning a third U.S. Nationals title in the last four years was a highlight of Tony Schumacher's season. AP

The curtain has officially come down on the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season. Boy, it seemed like just yesterday we were bringing that same curtain up.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team failed to double up at Pomona (Calif.) Raceway last weekend in the Auto Club of Southern California Finals. We got beat on "hole shots" in the final of the Budweiser Shootout and in the semifinals on race day. It was not a pleasant way to end the season, getting beat at the starting line each time on reaction time.

But, we can take solace in the fact that we ended up third in the Top Fuel point standings. Considering where we were nine races into the season, that was a great finish.

You might recall, we were holding 10th-place in the points and going nowhere fast before Alan Johnson took over as my crew chief. Since then, we recorded four wins, five poles and set the national elapsed time record of 4.441 seconds. That's a nice comeback, if you ask me.

There's no question that Alan provided a necessary boost to the Army team. He infused so much confidence that it was expected we'd go out and get the number one spot in qualifying and that we would go late into the day on Sundays. Overnight, we became a feared team. Hopefully, that feeling will carry over into 2004.

I'm already counting down the days on my calendar to the first test session and the season opener at Pomona the middle of February. I really believe that we're going to be one of the teams to beat next season for the Top Fuel world championship.

Of course, it's not going to be easy. You have Larry Dixon returning as a two-time champ and you have Brandon Bernstein stepping back into his father's ride after healing from injuries suffered in a crash earlier in the season. And, you will have both Doug and Scott Kalitta contending, as well as Darrell Russell and Cory McClenathan, among many others. The fans should love the Top Fuel action next year. It should be close and exciting.

As the off-season is now upon us, I look forward to spending some quality time with my family. With the holidays drawing nearer, I believe we all have to stop and reflect on how good we have it here in this country. To be able to go where we want, when we want and do what we want to do is a true blessing.

With that, I want to extend my best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday period. And, of course, "The Sarge" salutes you all. Here's hoping you enjoyed reading about experiences during the 2003 drag racing season. I'm hopeful that we can re-convene just prior to the season opener in '04. Stay well and please remember to keep our soldiers in your prayers as they continue to protect our way of life.

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