Schumacher joins Rick Ware Racing Top Fuel team

Tony Schumacher, the winningest NHRA Top Fuel driver, has found a home with Rick Ware Racing. Schumacher will contest a limited Top Fuel season for Ware alongside teammate and the organization’s cornerstone driver, Clay Millican. The schedule of races Schumacher will run will be announced at a later date. However, the plan is for Schumacher to be back full-time on the tour in 2026.

“This opportunity with Rick Ware Racing gets me back in a Top Fuel car where I can compete at a high level immediately,” Schumacher said. “The passion and commitment Rick and his group have for racing is incredible, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel. A limited schedule this year allows us to prepare for 2026 and show people what we’re capable of.

“I’m really looking forward to teaming up with Clay. He’s an incredibly talented racer with a ton of experience, and having both of us under one roof is only going to make us stronger. We’ll be able to push each other, share data, and work together to make RWR better.”

Schumacher, who has 88 career wins and eight championships, won two races in 2024 and finished eighth in the championship standings. He competed with JCM Racing last year for owner Joe Maynard.

“Tony is a huge addition to RWR,” Rick Ware said. “Bringing a driver of his caliber into our race team strengthens our overall program. We now have two of the best NHRA drivers and sponsor ambassadors in the sport. With Clay and Tony working together, they can feed off each other’s strengths, provide detailed feedback and collaborate on what they’re experiencing in the car, and that just elevates our entire operation.”

Rick Ware Racing is going into his third full season in the NHRA after debuting in late 2022. The organization has four wins with Millican as its driver, including in the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis last year.

“Clay is the cornerstone of our NHRA program,” Ware said. “His talent, dedication and passion for this sport helped put us on the map, and he deserves a ton of credit for the success we’ve had. Every NHRA win in our team’s history has come with Clay, and that speaks volumes about his ability and commitment. We’re not in a position to grow our race team without his presence and contributions. Now, the two hardest-working Top Fuel drivers are right here at RWR.”