And the former world champions did it in style by resetting the four track nitro records.
They moved DSR's pole-winning total through 23 events to 18 to mark the fifth time the 16-time world championship team has swept the nitro poles this season. But its first time since Matt Hagan was the No. 1 qualifier over Labor Day Weekend near Indianapolis that a DSR driver won a pole.
It is Beckman's first since last year's season-finale at Pomona, Calif., and the fourth of the year for Schumacher and his first since May at Topeka, Kan., and 84th of his career including 10 at Las Vegas.
Schumacher started Saturday's qualifying in the No. 1 spot and was the quickest in the last two sessions with his best on the last run with a 3.694 seconds at 326.40 mph.
"What we were able to do in our first run today gives us a lot of confidence heading into Sunday, because those are the conditions that we'll be racing in. The second run shows that we are making great power which isn't easy to do here. My crew chief Mike (Green) and (assistant) Phil (Shuler) are making calls and the U.S. Army car is reacting the way it should. That's the biggest thing right now.
"It's fantastic to get the points and fantastic to get the No. 1 spot. Tomorrow is really important. We have to win that trophy. We aren't here for average. None of us showed up here from the Army team to just be decent. Winning everything is the only acceptable result."
Beckman also was best in the last three sessions with his best run to close Saturday at 3.854 seconds and 335.57 mph, his career fastest.
Although Schumacher and Beckman dominated qualifying they face an uphill battle to head to the season-final in two weeks at Pomona with a chance to win world championships, but they are not conceding anything.
Beckman, whose team funded by Terry and Doug Chandler and led by crew chiefs Dean Antonelli, John Medlen and Neal Strausbaugh, heads into Sunday 177 points behind leader and DSR teammate Ron Capps, whose NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge led by crew chief Rahn Tobler and assistant Eric Lane extended their lead by one point to 25 over Robert Hight of John Force Racing.
"Guido (Antonelli) always says have fun, and I got on the radio and said a 3.85 would be fun. Turned out we were right on that one. That's right what they were shooting for. We unloaded with an 8.00 (second run in the first session) and lolled everyone into a false sense of security, and then got three points each session after that for being the quickest.
"I don't know if that will decide a championship and I don't know if we can catch Hight or Capps but it sure as heck could decide third place. We're not very far behind Courtney (one point) and we don't want to look over our shoulders because there's three cars right behind us. It's always nice before eliminations to eat away at the car ahead of you and put a little distance between the ones behind you."
Every driver wants to control their racing destiny and Capps, who has won a series-best eight events this year, will get his chance after qualifying sixth to set up a first-round pairing against legendary rival John Force. If Capps wins that round, he will either race No. 3 qualifier Hight or Tim Wilkerson.
"These are scenarios you thrive for," said Capps, the reigning Funny Car world champion. "You never have to worry about getting up to race Force and if we can get past him the next race could be exactly what he hoped for."
COUNTDOWN BREAKDOWN
Antron Brown clinched his last two world championships for Don Schumacher Racing at Las Vegas and was able to celebrate two weeks later at the Pomona finale in Southern California.
That won't happen for Brown or any other driver in the nitro categories this year, largely because NHRA enhanced the points value for the season-ending NHRA Finals by about 150 percent.
At Las Vegas this weekend, like 22 of the previous 23 events in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the most a driver can earn with a perfect weekend is 130 points; at Pomona, 191 can be earned.
No Top Fuel or Funny Car driver can leave Las Vegas with a 192-point lead and clinch a championship, and any driver 192 or more points out of first after Sunday's final round at Las Vegas will be eliminated from contention.
The seven DSR drivers and 19 of the 20 in the Countdown remain alive in championship contention but most are likely to be mathematically eliminated after Las Vegas.
TOP FUEL
No. 1 Qualifier: Tony Schumacher (Don Schumacher Racing), 3.673 sec., 332.67 mph-rack records
TONY SCHUMACHER, U.S. Army
Crew chief: Mike Green; Assistant: Phil Shuler
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: Troy Buff
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 1
FRIDAY: 3.798 sec., 325.61 mph, (Session 1); 3.673, 332.67, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.743, 325.22, (Session 3); 3.694, 326.40, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 6th 23 1 3 4 9 6 4 0 29-21
CAREER 479 83 64 75 134 115 84 8 805-387
Career best time, speed: 3.660 sec. (2017, Topeka); 332.51 mph (2016, Brainerd)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 2, lost in first round to Terry Haddock
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 5, lost in first round to Wayne Newby
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 2, lost in championship round to Antron Brown
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 4 (2005-06, 2008, 2010), Runner-ups 0, Poles 4
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 8 (2004, 2005-06, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013-14)
Runner-ups 3 (2002-03, 2012), Poles 9
LEAH PRITCHETT, Pennzoil/Dodge Demon
Crew chief: Todd Okuhara; Assistant: Joe Barlam
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: T.J. Zizzo
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 8
FRIDAY: 3.754 sec., 324.20 mph, (Session 1); 18.929, 41.57, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.785, 323.04, (Session 3); 3.742, 313.95, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 5th 22 4 2 8 6 2 6 0 44-18
CAREER 92 5 3 15 19 44 7 6 78-81
Career best time, speed: 3.640 sec. (2017 Brainerd); 331.53 (2017 Brainerd)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 6, lost in second round to Antron Brown
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 2, lost in semifinals to Steve Torrence
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 5, lost in semifinals to Antron Brown
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 0, Runner-ups 0, Poles 0
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 0, Runner-ups 0, Poles 0
ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tools 'Tools for the Cause'
Crew chiefs: Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald; Assistant: Brad Mason
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: Shawn Langdon
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 10
FRIDAY: 3.760 sec., 325.61 mph, (Session 1); 16.130, 34.67, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.810, 314.39, (Session 3); 8.729, 75.49, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 4th 22 4 6 5 7 0 2 0 51-18
CAREER 380 65* 53 79 100 80 49 3 672-311
*49 TF/16 PSB
Career best time, speed: 3.667 (2017, Phoenix); 333.16 mph (2017, Topeka)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 3, lost in semifinals to Shawn Langdon
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 4, lost in semifinals to J.R. Todd
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 8, won in championship round over Tony Schumacher
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 1 (2013), Runner-ups 1 (2001-PSM), Poles 1 (2015)
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 3 (2011, 2013, 2016), Runner-ups 4 (2001, 2008, 2012, 2013),
Poles 5 (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
FUNNY CAR
No. 1 Qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing), 3.854, 335.57-track records,
JACK BECKMAN, Terry and Doug Chandler's Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
Crew chiefs: Dean Antonelli, John Medlen, Neal Strausbaugh
QUALIFYING
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: Jim Campbell
Qualifying position: No. 1
FRIDAY: 8.006 sec., 77.86 mph, (Session 1); 3.867-ties track record, 329.50, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.930, 330.31, (Session 3); 3.854, 335.57-track records, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 4th 22 2 2 6 9 3 0 0 34-20
CAREER 274 26 27 51 82 81 21 7 366-241
Career best time, speed: 3.825 sec., (2016 Pomona 2); 334.15 mph (Seattle 2016)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 3, lost in semifinals to Ron Capps
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 1, lost in semifinals to John Force
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No.5, lost in second round to Jonnie Lindberg
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 1 (2006), Runner-ups 2 (2009, 2012), Poles 1 (2016)
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 1 (2006), Runner-ups 2 (2009, 2012), Poles 2 (2016-twice)
RON CAPPS, NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T
Crew chief: Rahn Tobler; Assistant: Eric Lane
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: John Force
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 6
FRIDAY: 3.916 sec., 325.06 mph, (Session 1); 6.597, 103.02, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.937, 326.56, (Session 3); 3.896, 326.08, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 1st 22 8 4 2 5 3 0 0 52-14
CAREER 505 58* 54 91 103 181 21 19 679-428
*57 FC/1 TF
Career best time, speed: 3.839 sec. (2017, Phoenix); 333.58 mph (2017, Phoenix)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 2, lost in championship round to Robert Hight
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 4, lost in semifinals to Courtney Force
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 4, lost in first round to Jonnie Lindberg
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 4 (2001, 2005, 2011-12), Runner-ups 0, Poles 1 (2011)
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 5 (2009, 2001, 2005, 2011-12, Runner-ups 2 (2006-07), Poles 1 (2011)
MATT HAGAN, Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T
Crew chief: Dickie Venables; Assistant: Michael Knudsen
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: Gary Densham
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 4
FRIDAY: 4.000 sec., 321.19 mph, (Session 1); 3.929, 330.88, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 3.930, 330.31, (Session 3); 3.882, 330.15, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 5th 22 3 1 7 5 6 4 0 34-19
CAREER 214 25 23 35 67 62 30 4 299-185
Career best time, speed: 3.799 (2017, Indianapolis); 338.85 mph (2017, Topeka)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 13, lost in first round to Jonnie Lindberg
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 2, lost in semifinals to John Force
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 2, lost in second round to John Force
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 0, Runner-ups 1 (2010), Poles 2 (2009, 2014)
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 0, Runner-ups 2 (2009, 2010), Poles 3 (2009, 2014, 2015)
TOMMY JOHNSON JR., Terry and Doug Chandler's Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T
Crew chief: John Collins; Assistant: Rip Reynolds
SUNDAY ELIMINATIONS
First round: Jonnie Lindberg
QUALIFYING
Qualifying position: No. 9
FRIDAY: 4.308 sec., 212.63 mph, (Session 1); 4.021, 286.74, (Session 2)
SATURDAY: 9.626, 86.66, (Session 3); 3.922, 325.77, (Session 4)
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2017 7th 22 1 4 5 5 7 1 0 31-21
CAREER 420 16* 28 58 102 171 15 44 367-360
*14 FC/2 TF
Career best time, speed: 3.837 sec. (Phoenix 2017); 332.02 mph (Sonoma 2017)
BY THE NUMBERS
Last event, Oct. 15, Dallas: Qualified No. 7, lost in first round to John Force
A year ago at Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 10, lost in first round to Del Worsham
This spring at Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 6. won in championship round over Jonnie Lindberg
Career at Las Vegas 2: Wins 0, Runner-ups 2 (2015-16), Poles 1 (2015)
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 1 (2001), Runner-ups 3 (2002, 2015-16) , Poles 1 (2015)
COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
(Unofficial standings through Las Vegas 2 qualifying; 23rd of 24 events; DSR drivers in CAPS)
Top Fuel
1. Steve Torrence (8) 2507 -----
2. Brittany Force (3) 2447 -60
3. Doug Kalitta (1) 2423 -84
4. ANTRON BROWN (4) 2392 -115
5. LEAH PRITCHETT (4) 2321 -186
6. TONY SCHUMACHER (1) 2320 -187
7. Clay Millican (1) 2306 -201
8. Shawn Langdon 2227 -280
9. Terry McMillen 2181 -326
10. Scott Palmer 2169 -338
Funny Car
1. RON CAPPS (8) 2533 -----
2. Robert Hight (4) 2508 -25
3. Courtney Force 2363 -170
4. JACK BECKMAN (2) 2356 -177
5. MATT HAGAN (3) 2307 -226
6. John Force (1) 2286 -247
7. TOMMY JOHNSON JR. (1) 2256 -277
8. Tim Wilkerson 2237 -296
9. J.R. Todd (2) 2233 -300
10. Cruz Pedregon 2163 -370
About Don Schumacher Racing
Don Schumacher Racing, headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., fields seven professional NHRA teams. In Top Fuel, the U.S. Army dragster driven by eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher, the Matco Tools dragster driven by three-time world champion Antron Brown and the 80th Anniversary Mopar/Pennzoil dragster driven by Leah Pritchett; and in Funny Car, 2016 world champion Ron Capps in the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T; 2011 and 2014 world champion Matt Hagan in the Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T, and 2012 NHRA world champion Jack Beckman in Terry and Doug Chandler's Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge and the Chandlers' Make-A-Wish Dodge driven by Tommy Johnson Jr.
DSR has won 316 NHRA national event titles and 16 world championships.
Follow Don Schumacher Racing at ShoeRacing.com, on Twitter at @shoeracing and Facebook.com/shoeracing.
