Last January, seven-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher debuted the canopy on his U.S. Army dragster during pre-season testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida.

Then-Don Schumacher Racing crew chief Mike Green pursued the canopy project after NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster driver Mark Niver was killed in 2010 at Seattle.; Leah Pruett’s vicious airborne ...

It's not the first time a canopy has turned the open cockpit of a Top Fuel dragster into something resembling an F16 fighter. Don "Big Daddy" Garlits tried it in 1986 with mixed reviews.

Tony Schumacher, the seven-time NHRA top fuel champion, is doing something no other driver in his division is doing. He’s covering his head with an extra layer of protection.

The closed canopy, which is designed with added safety in mind for the drivers, is making its NHRA Top Alcohol debut this season. The closed canopy for top fuel dragsters made its debut in 2012.

The NHRA approved the use of the cockpit canopy to enclose the driver's area in top fuel dragsters, and teams can start using the design this weekend at Brainerd. The concept, originally developed ...

NHRA officials gave final approval Monday evening for Don Schumacher Racing to use the new enclosed capsule on Tony Schumacher's Army-sponsored Top Fuel dragster, DSR officials confirmed Tuesday.

The canopy is built for safety, not aerodynamics, but it has created a bit of controversy. The system adds weight to a car (about 30 pounds), adds cost (about $12,000), and requires a significant ...

Seven-time NHRA Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher is on a mission: He is championing a move for enclosed canopies on dragsters -- a safety advancement that just could revolutionize the sport.

He’s earned a solid reputation as a builder and painter of vintage 1960s-style front engine dragster bodies, ... modified 1960s fiberglass Model T bucket body equipped with a streamlined canopy.

Sampey will be among the first to drive a closed-canopy dragster in the Top Alcohol class. By Mike Pryson Published: Feb 11, 2025 3:39 PM EST. Save Article. AB Motorsports.