Don Schumacher, a one man force of nature in the sport of NHRA drag racing for more than 50 years passed away on December 20th due to illness related to a protracted cancer battle, he was 79 years old. It is nearly impossible to state with any accuracy how important a factor Schumacher was in the development of professional drag racing in the modern era. His formation of Don Schumacher Racing and operation of the multi-faceted corporation still stands as the high water mark of success in the sport in in terms of the volume of race teams, wins, and facets of the company.
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 owner in the history of the sport to have wins in every major professional category, 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. There is also the manufacturing and machining business that he founded which continues to be an industry leading enterprise in not only motorsports, but aviation, defense, and more.
Lastly, Don Schumacher was a George Steinbrenner-esque figure in drag racing. He was not a man who went drag racing for the glamour or the visibility of owning the team. He went to win and if you did that, you’d be in his good graces. He was never shy in voicing his opinion to racers, crew-chiefs, and others when their performance was less than stellar. It was because of this expectation of excellence at all times that his teams did what they did in the manner that they did it. He simply did not accept excuses or failure without question.
Beyond his sometimes hardened persona there was a man who cared deeply about helping people, doing charity work, and supporting causes that helped people. For years, the DSR charity bowling tournament in Indianapolis was teaming with drag racers, IndyCar racer, and other to raise money for the Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. He truly enjoyed helping whenever he could.
He could be downright intimidating. He could be downright stern. But he was also always professional and when his teams won, as they so often did, he was as happy a guy as you could ever see.
Don Schumacher’s impact on drag racing will continue to resonate and ring through the nation for years and years to come. He created more than a drag racing team. He created an actual multi-generational legacy that continues to provide work, inspiration, and horsepower for the industry.
Godspeed.
Here is the official announcement from Don Schumacher Racing of Don’s passing –
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