The life story of Don Schumacher, the former Formula 1 driver

Motorsports Hall of Famer Don Schumacher is a famous figure in drag racing following his achievements and contributions to the sport. He first competed as a driver during the 1960s, winning several races before retiring to form a record-breaking racing team under his name.

Drag racing is a popular sport where two automobiles or motorcycles compete to cross the finish line first. Its popularity has recently increased, thanks to the investment of multi-millionaires like Don Schumacher. This article highlights Don Schumacher's biography, career, net worth, and how he established one of the most successful racing teams on the planet.

Don Schumacher's profile summary

How old is Don Schumacher?

Legendary drag racer Don Schumacher (age 79 as of December 2023) was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. He has over 60 years of experience in drag racing.

Don Schumacher's family

The Grand Rapids native was born to Art Schumacher, a former racer, during his career. Art passed down his passion and knowledge to his children. Details of Don's mother and siblings remain undisclosed.

Don Schumacher's career

Don Schumacher, nicknamed "The Shoe", began drag racing in the early 60s. He made a name for himself with his great pit crew and an excellent team until his retirement in the 70s. Here is a timeline of his career journey.

Car racing career

The Shoe was an outstanding, Funny Car pilot and match racer who won about 70% of his 560 match races. He bagged the 1972 Coca-Cola Cavalcade of Stars and the 1973 AHRA World Championship. He also won five NHRA national titles and nine IHRA events.

Don set an outrageous record of 6.18 sec at 241.95 MPH at Barracuda Funny Car in 1974. He retired the same year to devote more time to his business and family.

Entrepreneurship

Did Don Schumacher retire from drag racing? Don took a long break from racing to run his father's business, Schumacher Electric, in Chicago. He grew the company from 400 employees to nearly 2000, becoming one of the world's largest chargers manufacturers. The company's value also increased, making Schumacher more wealthier.

The former racer returned to the racing circuit in 1998 when he founded Don Schumacher Racing (DSR). The franchise became one of the most successful teams in NHRA history. DSR has won over 366 national events and bagged 19 World Championships in three different NHRA categories.

Don Schumacher Racing drivers

DSR has attracted some of the best drag racers in the circuit. Don's son, Tony Schumacher, also joined the team, becoming an excellent racer. Other renowned DSR racers are Mark Pawuk, David Davies, and Warren Walcher.

The organisation also launched a performance aftermarket brand called DSR Performance, which offers engine technology and performance parts to racers, enthusiasts and car builders.

What happened to Don Schumacher Racing?

Don's racing team faced a crisis at the end of the 2021 season following the out-flux of some of its top drivers. Antron Brown, Ron Capps, and Tony Stewart left the franchise to form their teams. DSR remained with Tony, Mark Pawuk, and David Davies to continue its legacy.

The organisation also extended its partnership with the Maynard Family Racing, elevating the Maynards as majority owners of its Top Fuel operation from July 2022.

Interesting facts about Don "The Shoe"

Don's management skills, resilience and determination have kept his team moving despite counteracting challenges. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2019, recognising his contribution to the sport. Here are other fascinating things about him.

Is Don Schumacher still alive?

The legendary drag racer is alive and actively involved in his business. He also nurtures his children to take over when his time to retire comes.

Don Schumacher's net worth

American racing team owner has a net worth of $300 million as of 2023. Don ranked 3rd among the wealthiest racing drivers in 2022 behind Formula One's Michael Schumacher ($600 million) and Eddie Jordan ($600 million).

According to his interview with Forbes, the DSR owner transformed his father's business from a $7-million-a-year corporation in the mid-1970s to over $200 million in 2018. The massive revenue also increased Don Schumacher's wealth and his family assets.

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Is Tony Schumacher related to Don Schumacher?

Tony is an American drag racer and an eight-time NHRA Champion. He is the son of the legendary drag racer. Tony was born on 25 December 1969. He is married to Summer and has three children: Jacqueline, Anthony, and Michael. Tony has a sister, Megan, who serves as the vice president of the DSR team.

Don Schumacher's wife

The legendary racer is married to Sarah. They have built a strong, loving family with six children for over 50 years. Most of their kids are involved in the motorsports industry.

Don donated his brain for research

The former drag racer and his DSR team have been actively involved in community engagement initiatives to give back to the fans and communities. In mid-2018, the 2019 Motorsports Hall of Famer and his drivers pledged to donate their brains to the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

The donation would help in the advancement of research on the effects of brain trauma in athletes and military veterans. The study would help to remove the stigma associated with traumatic brain injuries.

Final Word

Don Schumacher's determination, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring racers and business people around the world. His contribution and impact on the racing world will live on for generations.

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Full name	Don Schumacher
Date of birth	4 November 1944
Age	79 (as of December 2023)
Birthplace	Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Nationality	American
Height	1.73 m (5 feet and 8 inches)
Weight	80 kg (176 pounds)
Profession	Former drag racer, businessman
Wife	Sarah Schumacher
Children	Six
Net worth	$300 million