FUNNY CAR

Tim Wilkerson drove his Levi, Ray & Shoup Nitro Funny Car to the Winner’s Circle at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals presented by Lowe’s Foods. The victory on Sunday marked Wilkerson’s second win of the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and his 20th career win.

Wilkerson came into race day qualified No. 8 with a 3.970 E.T. at 319.07 mph. This is his first Four-Wide Nationals win and an accomplishment he is proud of.

“I got this off my bucket list,” Wilkerson said. “I’ve been in the finals twice here, so I am really happy to get it done,” said Wilkerson. “The whole year has really been exciting; especially with the new TV package and the way everything has been going for us. The Four-Wide is really a neat deal, especially since I won.”

Wilkerson powered past the competition in the final round with a performance of 3.967/315.56 in his Levi Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang. He was followed across the finish line by Cruz Pedregon with a 3.995/313.37, and then Ron Capps and Matt Hagan coming in third and fourth.

Wilkerson’s machine was the top Funny Car on race day, finishing first in all three quads he raced. He opened with a win against Jeff Diehl, top qualifier Alexis DeJoria and series points leader Robert Hight. In the round two quad he outran Pedregon, Courtney Force and Jeff Diehl.

“We were the fastest car out there every round and I was pretty proud of that,” said Wilkerson. “I told my guys: that’s one thing you need to be proud of. You got money running out your ears at those two big camps over there, but you guys were the fastest dogs out there every round. You need to be proud of that.”

In the first FC quad, Courtney Force and Cruz Pedregon moved on while Del Worsham and John Hale (not seen) were out.