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Tony Schumacher couldn't be happier with the performance of his U.S. Army-backed Top Fuel dragster and was seen with year-and-a-half old Tony, Jr. on his shoulders in the Chicago tower (Tony ran a 4.530 e.t. beating Larry Dixon, Jr. in the final). Also pictured is Robbie Vizcarra, Media Relations Manager for the NHRA. Robbie and co-worker David Lamm provide much needed press information which is vital to all journalists and they both do an excellent job. Tony and Cara are expecting their second child soon and when Tony isn't driving his dad's dragster he enjoys fly-fishing, golf, softball and driving his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

When John Lawson moved up from the alcohol class to run funny car, one of his goals was to run with John Force, and after a nine month lay-off Lawson qualified 6th and actually beat Force in the first round. Lawson was "stoked" and trying to relax in his push vehicle, but had time to wish wife, Lisa, a Happy Wedding Anniversary. June 6th John and Lisa will celebrate their 28th and John will turn a very young 46 on the same day . . . Antron Brown, who is married to Angelle Savoie's cousin Billie Jo, was stunned when informed that Shawn Gann was disqualified because Shawn was running five pounds light in Chicago. And yes, ladies, Antron is as nice in person as he appears to be on TV . . . Virgil Hartman stated that he's appealed the NHRA ruling on May 13th but hasn't heard the outcome. Virgil was fined for strapping a photographer to the roll cage of son-in-law John Smith's Top Fuel dragster during a qualifying attempt at a recent race so the guy could get some great tire-smoking pictures. Not the safest idea in the world, especially if you're the photographer . . .Some people will do almost anything for a great picture, but not Dave Kommel or Les Welch, both professional race car photographers with over 60 years experience between them. Dave's kids love to play soccer and Les and Jo Welch just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in May.

Kenny Safford was feeling so good that he attended the Chicago race and spent hours visiting with friends. Kenny's lovely wife Carolyn spent the day shopping with Lynn Prudhomme. Kenny's eyesight is slowing coming back and expect to make a full recovery in less than three months. Kenny became very emotional when speaking of everything Carolyn did for him while in the hospital and continues to do everyday. "There's no way I can thank her enough, she's great!" Kenny and Carolyn are shown here with Ronnie Hampshire at the Steve Gibbs retirement bash in November of '02.

Connie Kalitta was so angry over nephew Doug's red light in the first round of Top Fuel in Chicago that he wasn't able to talk while he climbed into his jet to leave for home. Come on, Connie, cut the kid some slack. It isn't like you've never red-lighted . . . Condolences go out to Julianne and Gary Scelzi's family after the loss of their teenage nephew John Triantis in an automobile accident. Juli was unable to attend the races in Chicago because she had to fly to Fresno for the funeral . . . Dale Creasy, Jr. was hacking and coughing in Chicago and sounded like he was coming down with a cold. "When you travel with seven other guys you're bound to end up with something. I guess this is just my week." Poor Dale not only suffered from flu-like symptoms but he had problems getting his Funny Car down the track, bouncing off the cement embankment once. "The guys were having a problem getting the body up until I reached over and yanked it hard. What did they think they were going to do? Hurt it?"

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