DSR, Maynards Expand Partnership

As majority owners of what will be billed as the Maynard Family Racing/Don Schumacher Racing team (JCM/DSR) beginning with the upcoming NHRA Northwest Nationals, the Maynards will assume the bulk of the responsibilities of overseeing the day-to-day operations surrounding the Schumacher-driven/Todd Okuhara-tuned machine.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Maynard family this year and look forward to them continuing to become more involved as they take on this expanded role,” said Tony Schumacher from Sonoma Raceway following Sunday’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals elimination rounds. “It’s incredible to see how passionate the Maynards are about our sport. Together, we will continue to represent our roster of JCM and DSR partners such as Scag Power Equipment and Okuma to the best of our abilities both on and off the track as we race for a bid to compete in the 2022 NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.”

Longtime race fans Joe and Cathi Maynard first became involved in NHRA Drag Racing in 2021, joining DSR as associate partners. They were instrumental in bringing fan-favorite Tony Schumacher back into the Top Fuel mix in 2022 by upgrading their backing to a primary-partner level. By now taking on an ownership stake in the Schumacher Top Fuel operation, the Maynards are further cementing their commitment to straight-line racing.

DSR has long been lauded for its impressive list of in-house offerings, including a robust hospitality program, graphic design and vinyl installation, nitromethane, parts, and chassis sales, and a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot precision machining and fabrication operation, all of which will continue to operate solely as DSR entities. Additionally, DSR’s trio of Factory Stock Showdown Series entries will also continue to compete under the DSR banner.

While the ownership move will allow the Maynards to become even more involved in their favorite sport, it will afford Don Schumacher, President of DSR Performance Chad Osier, and DSR Vice President Megan Schumacher, the time to continue developing DSR Performance, DSR’s burgeoning performance aftermarket, and aerospace and defense manufacturing division.

“While things might be a bit different behind the scenes, to our fans and partners, it will appear to be business as usual,” said Don Schumacher, a motorsports Hall-of-Famer who has led DSR to 366 national event wins and 19 series championships. “We have a lot of opportunities in the works with DSR Performance, and will continue to engineer and supply leading racing parts to the drag racing community in addition to expanding our defense and aerospace contracts. Earlier this season, we announced the launch of an exciting new project, the DSR 1150 crate engine, but I feel that we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of DSR Performance’s capabilities. By being able to let go of the reins of the Top Fuel team a little bit, we’re able to focus our attention on continuing to develop that side of the business.

“Make no mistake though,” added Schumacher, whose contributions to the sport of drag racing include cutting-edge safety innovations such as the addition of a roof-mounted Funny Car escape hatch, and the Top Fuel canopy, among others. “I love drag racing and while I may be taking a step back from the Top Fuel team at this time, I have no intention of leaving the sport. Full fields are imperative to the health of NHRA, and we will continue to look for opportunities that will allow us to field championship-contending nitro teams, but for now, this move makes sense.”

The Maynard family, who have become regular fixtures on the starting line, have enjoyed watching the younger Schumacher reacquaint himself with his fanbase and 330-mile-per-hour racing this season, and look forward to helping him add to his long list of accomplishments.

“Cathi and I are more than excited to continue in our favorite sport as the majority owners of the JCM Racing/DSR Top Fuel team,” said Joe Maynard. “It is our strong desire to build a new legacy with Tony at the wheel while maintaining the legacy of Don and DSR through our partnership.

“Throughout 2022 we have watched our young crew grow under Todd Okuhara’s leadership, and now see a true team performing at a highly competitive level with a strong eye towards making the Countdown. We are looking forward to enhancing our relationship with Scag Power Equipment, Okuma, and potentially others to build an even stronger team for 2023 and beyond and, like Don, are looking for opportunities to fill the field at every race.”

Earlier on Sunday, Schumacher faced Steve Torrence in the first round of eliminations at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. Schumacher took his No. 14 qualified Okuma dragster to the finish line stripe in 5.513 seconds after losing traction early into the run while his opponent made a clean pass to score the win and advance into the second round.

The Maynard Family Racing/Don Schumacher Racing team compete next at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Kent, Wash., July 29-31.