The motorsport community is in mourning following the death of drag racing icon Don Schumacher, who passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with lung cancer.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced his passing, noting that Schumacher had suffered complications related to his illness. The news of his death was also confirmed by Don Schumacher Racing on social media.
Don Schumacher made a significant impact in the world of drag racing throughout the 1960s and 70s, establishing himself as one of the top drivers of the era. His departure from the sport in the 1970s led him to focus on growing Schumacher Electric into a global company.
He made a triumphant return to drag racing in the late 1990s, building a team alongside his son, Tony. The team debuted at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in 1998.
Schumacher's contributions to motorsport were recognized with several accolades, including the NHRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2022 and his induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2019. He was also inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2007.
The announcement of his death has deeply affected racing fans, with many expressing their condolences and sharing tributes on social media. Don Schumacher Racing announced that a celebration of life ceremony for Schumacher will be held at a later date.
