Don Schumacher, the successful NHRA team owner and drag-racing pioneer, has died at 79 after privately battling lung cancer. The Michigan native won hundreds of titles as a driver and owner, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
A Life Dedicated to Racing
Don Schumacher was born on November 25, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He grew up in a racing family, as his father was a stock car driver and his uncle was a drag racer. He started racing at the age of 16, and soon became one of the top drivers in the Funny Car class. He won five NHRA national events and 70 match races in his career, setting several records along the way. He retired from driving in 1974, after a near-fatal crash at the U.S. Nationals.
He then focused on his business ventures, which included Schumacher Electric, a leading manufacturer of battery chargers and jump starters. He also founded Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) in 1998, and became the most successful team owner in NHRA history. His team amassed 366 national event wins and 19 championships, with drivers such as Tony Schumacher, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Matt Hagan, and Leah Pruett. He was known for his innovation and passion for the sport, as well as his philanthropy and support for various causes.
Don Schumacher Obituary And Cause of Death
Don Schumacher passed away on December 21, 2023, at his home in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Sarah, his children Tony, Megan, and Samantha, his grandchildren Austin, Carson, and Riley, and his brother Dan. He also leaves behind a loyal fan base and a racing community that mourns his loss and celebrates his achievements.
His son Tony, who is an eight-time Top Fuel champion and the current driver of the Maynard Family Racing/DSR team, said that his father was his hero and mentor. He said that he learned everything from him, and that he will continue to honor his legacy by racing with the same determination and excellence that his father showed. He also thanked the fans and the sponsors for their support and love for his father.
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of driver and legendary championship team owner Don Schumacher. Our hearts are with his family and friends.
— NHRA (@NHRA) December 21, 2023
More on Don’s life and legacy: https://t.co/xQTTP0PqDJ pic.twitter.com/jZsHQCGL8z
His daughter Megan, who is the vice president of DSR and DSR Performance, said that her father was a visionary and a leader, who always pushed the boundaries of the sport and the industry. She said that he was also a loving and generous father, who always encouraged her and her siblings to pursue their dreams. She said that she will miss him dearly, but she will also carry on his vision and his values through DSR Performance, which is DSR’s performance aftermarket, and aerospace and defense manufacturing division.
His daughter Samantha, who is a former drag racer and a TV personality, said that her father was a legend and an inspiration, who touched the lives of many people with his racing and his kindness. She said that he was also a fun and adventurous father, who always made her and her siblings laugh and enjoy life. She said that she will cherish the memories that they shared, and that she will always be proud of him and his accomplishments.
A Tribute to a Motorsports Icon
Don Schumacher was a motorsports icon, who left an indelible mark on the sport of drag racing and the world of motorsports. He was a fierce competitor, a brilliant innovator, a successful entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted family man. He was admired and respected by his peers, his rivals, his fans, and his loved ones. He was a legend in his own right, and a legend in the making.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Won his first NHRA national event at the Springnationals in Bristol, Tennessee |
| 1970 | Won the U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event in drag racing |
| 1972 | Set the Funny Car speed record of 250 mph at the Supernationals in Ontario, California |
| 1973 | Won four NHRA national events and 39 match races |
| 1974 | Retired from driving after a crash at the U.S. Nationals |
| 1998 | Founded Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) |
| 2000 | Won his first NHRA championship as a team owner with Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel |
| 2005 | Became the first team owner to win championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car with Tony Schumacher and Gary Scelzi |
| 2012 | Became the first team owner to sweep the nitro classes at the U.S. Nationals with Tony Schumacher, Mike Neff, and Spencer Massey |
| 2013 | Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame |
| 2019 | Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America |
| 2021 | Won his 19th and final NHRA championship as a team owner with Ron Capps in Funny Car |
