Wilkerson Qualifies Third at NHRA Summernationals

Tim Wilkerson, driver of the Levi, Ray and Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car, qualified third at the NHRA Lucas Oil NHRA Summernationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In Round One of eliminations, Wilkerson defeated Dale Creasy Jr. with a 

3.946 second/320.28 MPH pass to his opponent’s 4.708/177.04.

In Round Two against Jack Beckman, Wilkerson was fast, but Beckman got the win 3.991/317.72 to 4.009/316.82.
 
“It was a really good race. A close one, no doubt about that,” said Wilkerson. “We have a great car, and look forward to the next race.”

Wilkerson is fourth in the Funny Car points standings.

Pro Stock driver Bo Butner scored a spot to race Pro Mod in Rickie Smiths’ Strutmasters.com car. Smith reached out to Butner prior to the race and asked if he would drive the car for one race while he recovered from back surgery.

Butner qualified 10th. In Round One of eliminations, Jason Scruggs took the win with a 5.835/246.80 to Butner’s 5.903/246.84 pass.

Butner’s career wins include at least one victory in six classes: Pro Stock, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Gas, and Super Street.

“No matter what happened today, it’s just been so much fun,” said Butner. “I have to thank Rickie Smith and all the guys, Strutmasters, Jim Butner Auto Group, and Summit Racing. I don't know if I'll get to do this again, but who knows.”

"Everybody asked me how it felt compared to a Pro Stock car. I told them that at the 1,000-foot mark I'm in the car giggling. It's very fun.”

Due to inclement weather and a lengthy rain delay, the final rounds for Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Mod will be completed during the NHRA U.S. Nationals, September 3-6 at Lucas Oil Raceway.

Final Round Results
*Summernationals final round yet to be decided due to weather.

Top Fuel—Justin Ashley vs. T.J. Zizzio

Funny Car—Matt Hagan vs. Jack Beckman

Pro Modified— Jason Scruggs vs. Chad Green

What’s Next
The next event on the 2020 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour is the NHRA Indy Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana, August
8--9.

Due to COVID-19, the Mello Yellow Drag Race Series event schedule is subject to change. Go to NHRA.com/schedule/2020 to view the current schedule.

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