Morrison – Managing Don Schumacher’s NHRA-record nine race teams requires a diverse approach.
His drag-racing empire features at least two full-time entries in the four professional divisions.
Therefore, he has to deal with four different personalities.
Keeping everyone happy, including six combined primary sponsors, stems from hiring the right “sitters.”
“You hire great people; that’s the only way you can do it,” said Schumacher, who fields a combined five teams in top fuel (two) and funny car (three). “You surround yourself with people who can get the job done.”
Schumacher’s nine teams are six more than any NHRA owner has had, according to several longtime public relations representatives at Bandimere Speedway on Saturday. Currently, John Force fields three funny car teams and Connie Kalitta has three in top fuel.
In other motorsports, Jack Roush is the only owner who can compare. Roush Racing has seven drivers and eight full-time teams in NASCAR’s top series.
In comparison to his “real job,” Schumacher said his 100-employee NHRA work force is petite. He employs more than 1,200 workers at Schumacher Electric in Park Ridge, Ill.
“I would say the team atmosphere is the biggest thing I stress in any type of business,” he said. “In the NHRA, it’s very critical in an organization this size to make everyone feel a part of one another. They all work together very well and share information. That’s a major key, teamwork.”
Denver native Melanie Troxel is the latest driver to join Schumacher Racing. She is a top fuel teammate of 2004 world champion Tony Schumacher, the boss’ son.
Don Schumacher’s funny car stables include veteran drivers Whit Bazemore, Gary Scelzi and Ron Capps.
Schumacher’s pro stock drivers are Jeg Couglin and Richie Stevens, and Antron Brown and Angelle Sampey ride his Army- sponsored pro stock motorcycles.
Bazemore said he hasn’t felt neglected since last year, when Schumacher Racing had a then-record five teams.
“If the top fuel thing is not strong or the pro stock motorcycles aren’t doing well, it doesn’t affect us at all,” Bazemore said. “We get everything we need. Don’s spread the commercial side out so that all his eggs aren’t in one basket regarding sponsorship. If one were to leave, he still has a strong operation.”
