Wilkerson Brings Back Reliable "Bessie" For NHRA New England Nationals
Posted by: Nicole Erickson
Springfield, Ill (June 1, 2016) – After his bizarre accident two weeks ago that caused heavy damage to his Levi, Ray & Shoup Shelby Mustang, Tim Wilkerson will be rolling out his Nitro Funny Car he affectionately calls “Bessie” for the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire this week.
“We are lucky enough to have someone loan us a car to compete in Epping,” said Wilkerson. “Right after the crash in Topeka I had so many people and teams offer help. Force, Schumacher, Kalitta & Tasca all said I could use one of their cars. That really shows the sportsmanship and generosity of the NHRA Drag Racing community. I am just overwhelmed.”
In the semifinal round in Topeka, Wilkerson’s car made a right turn after taking off from the starting line and hit the wall. With one tire still spinning, the Funny Car spun around and proceeded to hit the other wall.
“Right now the new car that went into the wall at Topeka is at Murf McKinney’s shop getting front-halfed,” said Wilkerson. “The biggest obstacle is that we only had one good body for that car, so Murf is also working to get it mounted for us.”
The Ford Shelby Mustang Wilkerson will be driving in Epping won the NHRA race in Phoenix in February this year. Wilkerson sold that Funny Car to Brian Stewart, who drove it in Topeka and Wilkerson’s son Daniel raced it in Charlotte.
While Wilkerson has performed well in the past at New England Dragway, he has yet to win a round of racing there.
“Both myself and Summit teammate Jason Line haven’t had the best luck up in Epping. We hope to change that this weekend.”
Wilkerson comes into the NHRA New England Nationals No. 3 in the NHRA Mello Yello Championship Point Standings.
NHRA New England Nationals Schedule
Friday, June 3: Nitro Qualifying – 5:00 & 7:30 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, June 4: Nitro Qualifying – 2:00 & 4:30 p.m. (ET)
Sunday, June 5: Nitro Eliminations 11:00 a.m. (ET)
NHRA TV Schedule on FOX Sports/FS1 (All times Eastern Time)
Saturday, June 4: 12 a.m. – Qualifying
Saturday, June 4: 2:30 p.m. LIVE – Qualifying
Sunday, June 5: 12 a.m. – Qualifying
Sunday, June 5: 4 p.m. – Eliminations
Follow Tim Wilkerson Racing on Social Media:
Twitter: @TimWilkerson_FC
Facebook.com/timwilkersonracing
Instagram: @TimWilkersonRacing