The death was unexpected: NHRA drag racer and team owner dies

FALLEN LEGEND Don Schumacher dead at 79: NHRA drag racer and team owner dies after ‘illness-related complications’
Don Schumacher, 79, died from lung cancer.

His racing team, the NHRA, confirmed his death on Thursday, citing illness-related complications.
Schumacher was a successful drag racer who helped establish the Funny Car class. He won almost 70% of the 560 races he entered.

When he bought an automobile, his reputation skyrocketed. His squad won 19 NHRA World Championships and 362 Wally awards.
He compiled one of the most spectacular racing records in history, but took a break in the 1970s to help his family’s electric firm grow into a profitable global enterprise.

He returned to racing in 1998 as a vehicle owner, with his son Tony as the principal driver. Tony won 86 tournaments for his father.

Aside from his racing accomplishments, he contributed significantly to the safety of the sport.

Among his safety innovations was a roof-mounted escape hatch, which made it easier for drivers to flee a fire.

He also developed a fire-suppression device that enabled drivers to extinguish a fire without taking their hands off the driving wheel.

Schumacher battled cancer in 2015, but he was able to return to the track, which excited drivers.

“This is the best therapy,” Antron Brown, one of Schumacher’s drivers, stated.

“You can see the smile on his face and the joy in his heart for being part of this sport of NHRA drag racing.”

Schumacher revealed how much drag racing meant to him after recovering from his first cancer fight.

“I love what I do, and I will continue to do what I do,” Schumacher stated following his comeback.
“I am a businessman; that is what I do. I enjoy racing. The NHRA is my favorite sport. I enjoy my enterprises. I love my family. “I love what I do in life.”

On Twitter, NHRA announcer Alan Reinhart praised Schumacher as a legend.

“Even though he has scaled back his personal involvement the last few years, this is a tremendous blow,” Reinhart said.

“His impact will be felt for centuries to come. And the firm he founded will continue to serve the sport.”