As a Funny Car pilot and match racer in the 1960s and ‘70s, “The Shoe” won the 1972 Coca-Cola Cavalcade of Stars, 1973 AHRA world championship, five NHRA national events, nine IHRA events and about 70% of his 560 match races. Records he set in his “Stardust” Barracuda Funny Car include a 6.18 sec at 241.95 MPH in 1974.
If Schumacher could simply claim to be a US Nationals winner and multi-car team owner in the 1970s it would be impressive. If he could hang his hat on growing a family business, Schumacher Electric, into an employer of thousands and global corporation, it would have been a life accomplishment.
If he could simply claim to be the only team owner to have wins from each of NHRA’s four professional categories, doubly so, but those marks barely scratch the surface. 367 team victories and 19 world championships are the true measured numbers here and they may never be touched again.
A fierce Funny Car match racer in the 1960s and ‘70s who fielded multiple entries with top-notch drivers to fulfill the demand for bookings of his Stardust Funny Cars, Schumacher took a departure from motorsports in the early 70’s to grow the family business, Schumacher Electric.
While operating Schumacher Electric, he grew the family business into a global corporation. Schumacher increased the company value more than ten-fold
Schumacher was also intent on utilizing his team’s fleet of race cars to raise money and awareness for various charities. Each year ahead of the U.S. Nationals, DSR hosts a pre-race event at its Brownsburg, Ind. headquarters to benefit Riley Hospital for Children, and for seven seasons, Schumacher, along with Terry and Doug Chandler, campaigned ‘giving cars.’ The program enabled non-profits, such as the Infinite Hero Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and MD Anderson Cancer Center to be recognized through a dedicated tribute livery at no cost to the organization.
He was invited into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2007.
in May 2013, he was enshrined into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
In 2019, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and
In November 2022, Schumacher was presented with the NHRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/racing-legend-don-schumacher-dead
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