It’s a Bad Day for Schumacher

Michael Schumacher was leading the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, and had thoughts of ending his career with the Formula One points championship.

Then, he saw smoke coming from his engine.

“And I knew immediately what [that] meant for the race and championship,” said Schumacher, who is retiring after this season.

“For me the championship is over,” he said.

“I have to say clearly I don’t really believe in the championship anymore.”

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso won at Suzuka on Sunday and heads into the season’s final race with a 10-point lead over Schumacher, who dropped out in the 37th lap because of a blown engine.

Renault’s Alonso leads Ferrari’s Schumacher 126-116 in the points standings heading into the Brazilian GP on Oct. 22. If Alonso finishes in the top eight, thereby securing himself a point, he will clinch the title.

“The championship will be decided in Brazil as we all expected,” Alonso said. “We have to be safe, don’t take too many risks.”

From the Associated Press

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Jeff Shackelford of Indianapolis won the hourlong Cisco Burger World Figure 8 Championships at Irwindale Speedway on Saturday night, 5.081 seconds ahead of television personality Jesse James.

Shackelford received $10,000, James $3,500.

-- Steven Herbert