Don Schumacher Racing has taken delivery of a James Brendel safety capsule that appears to be destined for the Top Fuel Dragster his son Tony Schumacher drives. This is the same style of capsule used on the crazed Top Fuel hydroplane drag boats and other watercraft of that ilk. Aside from the cool aerodynamic looks, this capsule has the potential to provide the driver better protection during a violent crash. 

The capsules have been saving boat pilots for years and have often been mentioned when drag racing safety debates erupt, but before now, no one had ever acted on the idea to incorporate one into a fuel dragster. Do not be confused, this is not simply a lexan canopy like Don Garlits ran on his cars (and several others have as well). Instead this is an actual compartment that is incorporated into the construction of the car and is designed to hold together even if the race car around it has completely disintegrated.

Many may have forgotten that it was Tony Schumacher who suffered an incredible crash at Memphis back in 2000. The wing broke, sending the car into the wall and leaving Schumacher flying through the air sitting in the driver’s area with nothing else attached to it. He broke his leg in that wreck.

We think that this is an interesting development for the sport and look forward to following the progress of the safety capsule being used on dry land!

Thank’s to Robert Martin at MSD for the tip!

(SCHUMACHER SAFETY CAPSULE)