Wilkerson Credits Great Connection With Assistant Crew Chief For Successful Season
Posted by: Nicole Erickson
Springfield, Ill (April 28, 2016) – Tim Wilkerson is off to a great start in 2016. Just last week he won his second event in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series making him the only Funny Car driver to win multiple races this year. That win in Charlotte also put him No. 4 in the Championship Points Standings. He credits part of his success to his great connection with assistant crew chief Richard Hartman.
“He brings so much to the table. The most valuable attribute is our communication skills. He and I think alike and we have the same views and opinions on things that need to be done correctly,” said Wilkerson. “I’ve said before: We don’t come out here to chase girls and drink beer; we come to the track to kick somebody’s butt and go home. Richard has the same rhetoric and that is what I really think makes him a great asset to our team. He is great at teaching these young guys about the racing business.”
Hartman hails from Anderson, SC and comes from a family of racers that includes his father, sister and brother-in-law. He started in the business at a young age, helping out with his father’s car when he was just eight years-old. Hartman took over driving the family Funny Car in 1988 and finished in the top 10 two years in a row. This is Hartman’s second season with Tim Wilkerson Racing. He previously spent four seasons as crew chief for Terry McMillen.
“Last year we made some mistakes on the track and he beat himself up over it and he takes things like that very personally. With the exception of last week’s first round lane swap fiasco, Richard is usually very level headed,” said Tim.
“I trust Richard to the Nth degree. Where ever he lines me up on the track – I totally trust him and don’t question his decision.”
This weekend Wilkerson will be in Houston for the 2016 NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway. Royal Purple sponsors his team and Wilkerson would like to put his Levi, Ray and Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang in the Winner’s Circle at their home race.
Fans can watch coverage of the NHRA Spring Nationals on FOX Sports.
Friday: 8 – 9 p.m. EST on FS1
Saturday: 10 – 11 p.m. EST on FS1
Sunday: 5 – 8 p.m. EST FS1
Follow Tim Wilkerson Racing on Social Media:
Facebook.com/timwilkersonracing
Instagram: @timwilkersonracing
Twitter: @teamwilkerson