Racing legend Don Schumacher dead at 79

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Don Schumacher, a drag racing legend who started his own race team, died on Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer, the National Hot Rod Association announced. He was 79.

The NHRA said Schumacher suffered illness-related complications. The organization announced his death on Thursday. Don Schumacher Racing also announced his death on X.

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Team owner Don Schumacher during the NHRA Midwest Nationals on Sept. 26, 2021, at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"It is with heavy hearts that the Schumacher family announce the passing of motorsports icon Don Schumacher," the team wrote.

Schumacher was a top Funny Car driver in the 1960s and 1970s but left the sport altogether in the early 1970s to help grow Schumacher Electric. The company turned into a massive success with plants across the globe, including the U.S., China, Mexico and Belgium. The company produces battery chargers, testers, maintainers, jump starters, portable power, lithium and electric vehicle charging.

He returned to NHRA Drag Racing in 1998 and built a team with his son, Tony. The group made its debut at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in 1998 and immediately turned into a powerhouse.

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Leah Pruett (777), Don Schumacher Racing Mopar Dodge Top Fuel Dragster, races during the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on April 17, 2021, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"His teams have amassed 19 NHRA world