Don Schumacher’s demise has saddened the entire motorsports community. The NHRA and drag racing legends have greatly contributed to developing the Funny Car and Top Fuel circuits. Over the years, his team, Don Schumacher Racing, or DSR, has produced some of the best drag racing talents to compete in the NHRA. A notable name among them would be Tony Stewart Racing, Tony Stewart himself, and his wife Leah Pruett.

Being a former protégé of Don Schumacher at DSR, Leah Pruett has had a close connection with the legend. Upon hearing the painful news of his sudden demise, Pruett was deeply hurt and expressed her condolences through an Instagram story. She wasn’t alone in this, as the racing fandom joined her in mourning the passing of an NHRA champion and legend.

Leah Pruett pays homage to the legendary team owner

Don Schumacher, one of the most influential figures in drag racing, died on Wednesday at the age of 79 from complications of a private battle with lung cancer. He began his career as a Funny Car match racer in the 1960s and 1970s, fielding numerous entries for top drivers as the owner of Stardust Funny Cars.

Leah Pruett, on the other hand, joined Don Schumacher Racing back in 2016. Her tenure at DSR might not have been as successful as some of the other NHRA legends at DSR, but it was rewarding for both parties. Voicing her sorrow on an Instagram story, Pruett wrote, “We lost a legend today. Fly high, Don.”

Just one year after making its debut at the 1998 U.S. Nationals, Don Schumacher Racing won its first championship in 1999. Since then, it has grown into one of the greatest drag racing programs ever. Schumacher’s team has won 367 Wally trophies and 19 NHRA world championships; five of those victories came when Schumacher himself was driving.

Schumacher is recognized for bringing various safety advances to Funny Cars;

1. Installing a roof-mounted escape hatch to enable drivers to swiftly escape their cars in the event of a fire,
2. He designed a lever on the brake handles of his cars to activate a fire-suppression system.

Schumacher’s passing has hurt the drag racing community deeply. Being one of the major reasons behind Leah’s rise to prominence in a circuit where she has been racing since the age of 8, the current TSR driver couldn’t hold her emotions back.

Leah Pruett’s first major victory with Don Schumacher Racing came in 2019 when Leah won the NHRA SAMTech Factory Stock Showdown championship. The factory stock class of NHRA racing had a short stay in the sport, and remarkably, Leah is the only female champion in its history. The championship win also marked a championship win for DSR in its debut season in the class.

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As the community continued to fondly remember the stories and achievements of the legendary team owner and driver, fans also gathered to pay their respects and mourn Don’s demise.

Motorsports fans grieve the loss of Don Schumacher

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Don Schumacher’s legacy continues to be carried on by his son, Tony Schumacher, who has earned 8 NHRA championships for the team and Don’s multiple initiatives that serve the world in various ways. His work for the racing community has always been respected and, as a result, earned him a lot of fans.

Signifying the influence of Don Schumacher outside the domain of racing, a fan wrote on Twitter, “This is a sad day for the sport for sure! Don was a great promoter and gave a lot of people jobs and the leg up to for others in drag racing! RIP to a legend.”

Don Schumacher’s eye for great things was unmatched. His brainchildren, DSM Precision Manufacturing and DSR Performance, have continued to serve in racing and important fields like defense and aerospace. Commenting on the brilliance of his ideas, a certain fan said, “I will miss Don and his vision. He was the best.”

“Definitely one of the Pioneers of the sport big Drag Racing. RIP Don,” read another comment commending Schumacher for everything he has done for drag racing.

Another fan expressed his sadness at the NHRA community losing a legend and forwarded his prayers and strength to Don’s family, as he commented, “Sorry to hear. NHRA lost a true legend. Condolences to the family and teams. Godspeed, may he RIP.”

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As the world bids goodbye to the winningest team owner in NHRA history, the racing community will never forget his contribution, values, and benevolence to the sport. EssentiallySports sends its heartfelt condolences to Don Schumacher’s friends, family, and fans. May the legend rest in heaven!