The 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season has come to an end. And what a season it was for the U.S. Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team.

We had the kind of year a driver dreams about, quite honestly. We captured the Top Fuel world championship and, along the way, managed to set the record for most Top Fuel wins in a single season (10). One could not have drawn up a better plan.

Needless to say, even though the season has been over for a bit, we're all still on cloud nine. I think the party following the NHRA awards banquet has not ended for us as yet.

Seriously, I was extremely happy to finally land a world title for the U.S. Army. We came so close in 2000 before I got hurt, then we labored a bit the next few years before rising to the top this season. The Army stayed with us through thick and thin. You can't ask for a better marketing partnership than that.

It was especially gratifying to win the championship for all of those brave men and women who are fighting for our freedom on a daily basis.

I have always said that if I can put a smile on a soldier's face for even just a minute because of our success, then it's all worthwhile in my eyes.

You can't imagine the flood of congratulatory e-mails I have received from soldiers around the world since we clinched the title. Many of them were so inspirational. Rest assured, I will answer each and every one of them before it's all said and done. They deserve that and more.

While we are still riding that nice wave despite the fact the season is complete, my work away from the track for the U.S. Army continues. And, that's fine with me.

In the coming weeks and months, we'll be visiting folks all around the country. We will also make our annual trip to San Antonio after the holidays for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, an all-star football game featuring some of the nation's finest high school players. I look forward to meeting some of the future stars of the game and, perhaps, future leaders of our country. It's truly a fun experience.

I'll also be rather busy in the offseason interacting with you drag racing fans. I'm scheduled to attend a number of World of Wheels auto shows around the country. This will offer a great opportunity to mingle with people in a much less stressful environment -- away from the track.

Of course, I'm also planning on taking the family on a badly needed vacation during the holidays. With our season lasting as long as it does -- February to November -- there isn't much time for activity such as this. So, one has to take advantage when one can. It will be real nice to spend some quality time with my wife and two children.

The above being said, these next couple of months will roll by with but a snap of a finger. Before you know it, we'll be packing our gear for preseason testing in Phoenix the end of January. Then, it will be on to Pomona Raceway for the K&N Filters Winternationals.

Next year, we will have the proverbial bull's eye on our backs.

That's what happens to the defending champ. We're already looking forward to the challenge. I can't imagine that the excitement generated by the Top Fuel class this past year will be any different in 2005. All of the top teams will be returning loaded for bear. Obviously, it's our intention to be one of those top teams yet again.

With that, the U.S. Army Top Fuel Drag Racing Team would like to wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season. Thanks for all of your support throughout 2004. We'll see you at the track again before you know it.

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