Following the death of drag racing legend Don Schumacher on Dec. 20, the NHRA community took to social media on Thursday to commemorate the life of the Funny Car driver and esteemed team owner.
Schumacher passed away at age 79 after to a months-long battle with lung cancer.
His son, Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher, wrote a tribute to his father on Thursday morning.
“I can’t believe we lost my dad last night,” the young Schumacher wrote on X. “I was able to spend a lot of time with him this month and I’m so grateful to have those memories with him. Because of his hard work and passion, he helped shape our sport to be what it is today.”
Tony Schumacher is an eight-time Top Fuel champion who drives for Maynard Family Racing — formerly Don Schumacher Racing. Joe and the late Cathi Maynard became majority owners of DSR in mid-2022 and assumed the bulk of responsibilities associated with running the team, while Schumacher took a step back.
Prior to that, Schumacher had led DSR to 366 national event wins and 19 series championships since starting the team in 1998. At its peak, the DSR operation fielded seven professional teams in NHRA competition.
Former driver Matt Hagan, who won this year’s Funny Car championship, shared a few memories as well.
“The sport lost a legend today,” Hagan wrote on X. “One that I had the luxury to work with for a majority of my career. Driver, team owner, teacher, father, business owner. This man wore the hat for whatever he needed to be in the moment. I’m a better man for having known him. The sport was built on the backs of these men and we owe a great debt to the paths they have paved.”
Hagan joined DSR as a NHRA rookie in 2009 and earned three Funny Car titles while driving for “The Shoe.” He parted ways with DSR at the end of 2021 to move to Tony Stewart Racing — where he continues to compete.
Three-time Top Fuel champion and former DSR driver Antron Brown also shared a note about Schumacher.
“The drag racing world lost a great one last night,” Brown wrote on X. “I’m so thankful that Don took a chance on me and believed in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all his support. He had such an incredible impact on our sport and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”
In 2002, DSR added Brown, then a Pro Stock Motorcycle rider struggling to find a permanent ride, to their roster. In 2003, Brown brought DSR its first Pro Stock Motorcycle Wally and in 2012, the New Jersey native earned his first Top Fuel championship under the guidance of Schumacher.
Brown departed from DSR at the end of 2021 to start his own Top Fuel team, AB Motorsports.
Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III shared an endearing anecdote about the drag racing icon.
“Deeply saddened by Don Schumacher’s passing,” Tasca wrote on X. “A mentor of mine in racing and life, he left an indelible mark on me. His wisdom and guidance, especially during my 2017 return, shaped my career. Immensely grateful. Godspeed, dear friend. Your legacy endures.”
Kalitta Motorsports released a team statement Thursday afternoon.
“Kalitta teams raced against Don (Schumacher) for decades. He was a fierce competitor, a motorsports icon and a friend who was loved by everyone at Kalitta Motorsports. Losing a family member is always difficult; we send the Schumacher family courage and peace during this time of mourning,” the statement read.
And the list goes on of the drivers, teams and individuals in NHRA who were touched by Schumacher’s legacy and who will continue to carry it forward.