Tim Wilkerson Makes Final Round at NHRA Southern Nationals

Tim Wilkerson, driver of the Levi, Ray and Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car, made it to the final round at the Arby’s NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Georgia. It was his third final round appearance this season and the 500th Nitro Funny Car race of his career.

Wilkerson is one of just four active pro drivers to have competed in 500 or more NHRA national events. Ron Capps has 538, Cruz Pedregon 574, and John Force 767.

In Round One of eliminations, Wilkerson had the second-quickest pass of the opening round defeating Cruz Pedregon, 3.963/321.12  to 5.753/121.59.

In Round Two Wilkerson faced Bob Tasca III. Although both drivers experienced tire shake, Wilk took the win, 5.595/231.79 to Tasca’s 6.885/128.97.

In the semis, Wilkerson met up with Number One qualifier, and current Funny Car points leader, Robert Hight. Wilkerson was victorious with a 4.084/313.66 run to Hight’s 4.182/258.02.

Wilkerson faced longtime friendly rival Ron Capps in the final round. Capps got the win on a .047 holeshot and 4.068/315.34 pass to Wilk’s .090 RT, 4.052/310.05.

“I thought I could take my old Mustang out in style, but it didn’t quite make it,” said Wilkerson, who tentatively plans to debut a brand new Ford Mustang at the next race in Richmond. “It was a good day. Everybody did a good job, and I’m proud of the guys. We gave it all we had.”

Wilkerson moved up to sixth place in the Funny Car point standings.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel—Steve Torrence (3.8.63/320.20) defeated Brittany Force (3.989/274.00)

Funny Car—Ron Capps (4.068/315.34) defeated Tim Wilkerson (4.052/310.05)

Pro Stock Motorcycle—Andrew Hines (6.865/195.05) defeated Jerry Savoie (6.919/193.65)

What’s Next
The next race on the 2019 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour is the NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie, Virginia, May 17-19.

For more information and complete race results visit DragRaceCentral.com.