Tim Wilkerson Makes Quarterfinals at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Tim Wilkerson, driver of the Levi, Ray and Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car, made it to the quarterfinals at the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Concord, North Carolina.

In Round One of eliminations, Wilkerson advanced with a 3.954 second/317.27 MPH pass along with Jack Beckman (3.925/324.83), while Dave Richards (5.044/175.32) and Ron Capps (5.172/152.95) were eliminated.
 
In Round Two, Wilkerson had a good launch off the line but suffered tire spin down track, and his 4.062/290.07 wasn’t enough to make it to the final round. Matt Hagan (3.997/316.30) and John Force (4.046/320.81) both advanced.

“I almost got Hagan,” said Wilkerson. “He was really lucky that he just barely got us at the other end down there. It was a good race, and we feel good knowing we have a good car going to Atlanta next week.”

With the Pro Stock class not running, Summit Racing driver Jason Line took the opportunity to get behind the wheel of his 1970 Buick GS to run in the Super Stock class.

“I only get to run my car a few times a year,” said Line. “I really just want to see how fast I can make it go. It’s a chance for me to have some fun, not beat up on anybody. They’re going to beat up on me.”

Line qualified eighth overall, and made it to Round Two of eliminations.

The next Pro Stock race will be at the NHRA Virginia Nationals, May 17-19.

Pro Stock driver Bo Butner made the final round in the SAM Tech Factory Stock Showdown driving the Summit Racing Ford Racing Cobra Jet.

The Factory Stock Showdown is a specialty series that takes place at select NHRA events. It showcases drag-ready, factory-built cars produced by Ford, Chevy, and Dodge.

In Round One of eliminations, Butner advanced when opponent Randy Taylor fouled out with a red light.

In Round Two, Butner’s 8.452/148.59 pass defeated Kevin Skinner’s 9.33/136.68.

In the semi-final round, Butner advanced on a bye run when opponent Drew Skillman didn’t show after detonating an engine in the prior round. Butner clocked a 7.969/176.42 pass.

The final round saw Bill Skillman (Drew’s father) take the win with a 7.940/174.10 run to Butner’s 7.953/175.91.

“I congratulate the Skillman’s. They worked hard,” said Butner. “It’s pretty cool to have a father and son do that. We’re happy for them.”

The next event for the SAM Tech Factory Stock Showdown will be the NHRA Virginia Nationals.

Final Round Results
Top Fuel—Steve Torrence (3.778/323.19) defeated Clay Mllican (4.035/310.48), Terry McMillen (4.349/219.08), and Leah Prichett (4.435/246.30)

Funny Car—Shawn Langdon (4.125/305.08) defeated Robert Hight (4.59/242.89), John Force (4.517/200.59), and Matt Hagan (5.252/172.89)

Pro Stock Motorcycle—Andrew Hines (6.831/198.17) defeated Eddie Krawiec (6.858/197.68), Hector Arana Jr. (6.908/198.82), and Ryan Oehler (6.959/196.27)

What’s Next
The next race on the 2019 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour is the Arby's NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia,  May 3-5.

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