MADISON, IL - OCTOBER 01: Tony Schumacher (356) SCAG Power Equipment Top Fuel Dragster looks on ... [+] during pre-race festivities for the NHRA Midwest Nationals on October 1, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway Drag Strip in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Tony Schumacher is back. And not just back in some sentimental, wave-to-the-crowd cameo. No, the winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history is strapping into a nitro-burning, earth-shaking, 11,000-horsepower monster with one goal—winning. And he’ll be doing it with Rick Ware Racing, a team that’s gone from NHRA newcomer to serious contender faster than a Top Fuel pass at Pomona. Schumacher, an eight-time Top Fuel champion with 88 career wins, isn’t diving headfirst into a full season just yet. Instead, 2025 will be a warm-up act—a limited schedule designed to shake off the rust (not that he ever had much to begin with) before unleashing hell on the field in 2026. Exactly which races he’ll run is still under wraps, but given his track record, expect him to be a headache for anyone with championship ambitions. “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.” Schumacher’s return to the cockpit puts him alongside Clay Millican, a man who has spent his life defying physics and expectations. Millican, the winningest driver in IHRA history and a six-time champion in that series, has been the backbone of RWR’s NHRA operation since the team made its Top Fuel debut in 2022. While Schumacher brings the hardware, Millican brings the grit, and together, they form a duo that could send shivers down the spines of competitors up and down the drag strip. “I’m really looking forward to teaming up with Clay,” Schumacher said. “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.” MORE FOR YOU Trump Delays Mexico, Canada Auto Tariffs For One Month—Here’s How The New Levies Could Impact Prices Supreme Court Orders Trump To Pay Out $2 Billion In USAID Funds: Here’s Where Trump’s Winning—And Losing—In Court Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, March 5th For team owner Rick Ware, adding Schumacher to the mix isn’t just about bringing in a big name—it’s about building a powerhouse. “Tony is a huge addition to RWR,” 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.” Millican has already proven what RWR is capable of, racking up four Top Fuel wins for the team, including a massive victory at the 2024 U.S. Nationals. Ware credits Millican as the foundation of RWR’s drag racing success, and with Schumacher now in the fold, the team is looking to build on that momentum. “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. Now, the two hardest-working Top Fuel drivers are right here at RWR.” So, as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off its 74th season at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, one thing is clear—Rick Ware Racing isn’t just here to participate. With Schumacher and Millican under the same roof, they’re here to set the world on fire. And in Top Fuel, that’s not just a figure of speech. Follow me on Twitter. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades