Wilkerson Has Chance To Double-Up At Biggest Race Of The Year
Posted by: Nicole Erickson
Springfield, Illinois (September 1, 2016) – Tim Wilkerson has two chances at winning a trophy and paycheck this weekend at the 62nd Chevrolet Performance NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The Traxxas Nitro Shootout will also be run this weekend with the winner taking home a $100,000 paycheck.
Only eight Top Fuel drivers and eight Funny Car drivers get the opportunity to participate in this race within a race. The Traxxas Nitro Shootout is open to the first seven winners of an NHRA Funny Car or Top Fuel race leading up the U.S. Nationals. The eighth spot in each class is determined by a fan vote lottery drawing. Yesterday is was John Force and Terry McMillen who slipped the eighth spots.
Wilkerson earned his spot in the Traxxas Nitro Shootout with his wins this year in Phoenix and Charlotte. The ladder is determined by current NHRA Championship Point Standings and so Wilkerson will take on Matt Hagan in Round One on Sunday.
“The Traxxas Shootout gives us an added incentive to win in Indy,” Wilkerson said. “The team works hard to try and get that nice bonus check at the end of the day.”
The Traxxas Nitro Shootout also gives fans multiple chances to meet Wilkerson and get his autograph this weekend. Saturday Wilkerson will be in the Top Eliminator Club 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at the Traxxas display in the NHRA Nitro Mall at 10:30 a.m.
Some call the NHRA U.S. Nationals the most prestigious race of the year that is spread out over four days for the professional categories. Wilkerson tries not to let the significance of this historic race weekend get into his head.
“I try not to get too excited by all the craziness that surrounds the race,” Wilkerson said. “I need to look at this as just another race to help keep my focus on the Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang and winning.”
Eliminations of the 62nd Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals will air live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX-TV.
SCHEDULE FOR THE 62ND CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE NHRA U.S. NATIONALS
Friday, September 2: Pro Stock Qualifying 7:15 p.m.
Nitro Qualifying 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 3: Pro Stock Qualifying 2:45 & 6:45 p.m.
Nitro Qualifying 4:15 & 8:10 p.m.
Traxxas Nitro Shootout Top Fuel 4:00, 5:15 & 8:00
Sunday, September 4: Pro Stock Qualifying 11:15 & 3:30 p.m.
Nitro Qualifying: 12:45 & 4:55
Traxxas Nitro Shootout Funny Car 12:30, 3:00 & 4:45 p.m.
Monday, September 5: Nitro Eliminations Begin at 11:00 a.m.
Pro Stock Eliminations Begin at 12:00 p.m.
FOX SPORTS TELEVISION AIR-TIMES (All times Eastern)
Sunday, September 4: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on FS1
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on FS1
Monday, September 5: LIVE 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on FS1
LIVE 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on FOX-TV