Tony Schumacher, the winningest driver in the history of NHRA's Top Fuel class, will make his return to drag racing while making his Rick Ware Racing debut.
Schumacher, an eight-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion, will control the No. 15 dragster at the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Aug. 29 - Sept. 1. He will have American Communications Construction as his primary partner.
This race will kick off Schumacher's limited schedule, which will continue with the remaining events on the NHRA schedule. This part-time run will conclude with the NHRA season finale at Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 13-16.
Per a previous announcement, this part-time schedule will help Schumacher and Rick Ware Racing put pieces in place so they can take on the full schedule in 2026.
Photo credit: Rick Ware Racing
"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 American Communications Construction," Schumacher said in a press release.
"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."
Returning to NHRA at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park provides Schumacher with a chance to chase history. He has 10 class wins at the event known as the Big Go. If he scores one more, he will tie Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Frank Manzo's all-time mark.
Schumacher scored his 87th and 88th Top Fuel wins last year. He celebrated a win at Bristol Dragway and then another at World Wide Technology Raceway. He made it to the Countdown for the Championship for the 15th time and finished eighth in the standings.
Schumacher will now return to competition while partnering with Rick Ware Racing and tuner Rob Flynn. He will become teammates with six-time champion Clay Millican.
"The U.S. Nationals is the biggest race on the NHRA calendar, and we're going into it with two of the best Top Fuel drivers in Clay Millican and Tony Schumacher," said Rick Ware, RWR team owner, in a press release.
"Last year, Clay delivered RWR its first Indy win, and to come back as the defending winner with a lineup that now includes Tony Schumacher -- who's had more success at this event than anyone in Top Fuel history -- is huge. We've got a lot of weight on our shoulders to deliver for Clay and Tony and all of our partners, but that's how we like it."