Tony Schumacher wins Top Fuel world championship at NHRA Finals

In this photo submitted by the NHRA, Tony Schumacher celebrates his NHRA Top Fuel title following qualifying at the Auto Club NHRA Finals drag races Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Pomona, Calif. This is Schumacher’s eighth career championship and first since 2009. (AP Photo/NHRA, Marc Gewertz) (The Associated Press)

n this photo submitted by the NHRA, Richie Crampton races to his first career No. 1 in qualifying in Top Fuel, at the Auto Club NHRA Finals drag races Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Pomona, Calif. (AP Photo/NHRA, Jerry Foss) (The Associated Press)

Tony Schumacher won a record eighth Top Fuel world championship on Saturday at the NHRA Finals.

Schumacher secured his first season title since 2009 when closest challenger Spencer Massey failed to improve on his sixth-place qualifying position. Schumacher qualified ninth and will face Larry Dixon in the opening round of eliminations.

Schumacher holds a 104-point lead over second-place Massey with a maximum of 100 points available to a single driver on Sunday.

Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are the top qualifiers in their categories.