Tony Schumacher Returning Full Time to NHRA Top Fuel Class

Tony Schumacher is back in the NHRA Top Fuel class with a full-time ride in 2022.

The eight-time NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Top Fuel champion and Don Schumacher Racing unveiled a new sponsorship deal on Thursday that will allow Tony to return to a a full-time schedule in the class in 2022. Schumacher, who turns 52 on Christmas Day, last drove a full-time schedule in 2018.

In addition, Todd Okuhara, currently the crew chief for DSR Top Fuel racer Leah Pruett, will move to Tony Schumacher's crew in 2022. Okuhara has been in the DSR fold since 2015.

The problem of lack of a sponsor has been solved thanks to a commitment from the Maynard Family. The big racing boosters were an associate sponsor in 2021.

“Joe and Cathi Maynard joined our team at the beginning of 2021, and have proven to be tremendous partners,” team owner Don Schumacher said. “We couldn’t be more pleased that they have decided to grow with our team into a larger role, and we look forward to continuing to make them proud.

“We’re thrilled to have Tony return to full-time competition next year aboard The Maynard Family Top Fuel dragster. Tony and Todd Okuhara are two of the most dominant players in our sport, and I liken this alliance to two powerhouses teaming up. I have no doubt the Tony-Todd combo will find success early on in their 2022 campaign.