Wilkerson Working To Rebuild After Crash In Denver
Posted by: Nicole Erickson
Springfield, Ill (July 28, 2016) – Tim Wilkerson left Denver and headed to Sonoma not knowing if he would have a car to compete with at the Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals, the second stop on the famed Western Swing.
During the fourth qualifying session in Denver, Wilkerson’s Levi, Ray & Shoup Funny Car took a right sharp turn off the starting line and crashed into the wall. It closely mimicked his May crash in Topeka that took his car out competition for a month. While Wilkerson walked away without any injuries, it left him frustrated over what was wrong with his Ford Shelby Mustang.
“On Saturday night after the crash when we realized we could not compete with the car, we were immediately on the phone making plans to get the new Funny Car to Sonoma from Murf McKinney’s shop,” said Wilkerson. “It’s an honor for me to have such a dedicated crew and sponsors that come to my side when I really need them.”
The car arrived in Sonoma late Wednesday night, so the crew has a busy couple days ahead of them to be ready for the first round of qualifying on Friday evening.
“We have both cars parked next to each other so we can strip the parts from one car and put it back together on the new car and hopefully have it ready to make a run,” said Wilkerson.
Wilkerson won the NHRA Sonoma Nationals twice: 2004 and 2009. In 2011 he was the runner-up. He’s looking to put the Levi, Ray & Shoup Mustang back in the Winner’s Circle.
“I’ve had success in Sonoma, but it has been a few years,” said Wilkerson. “Hopefully with the new car we can turn things around and start winning again.”
Wilkerson is currently ninth in the NHRA Championship Point Standings.
Once again, fans will be able to watch Wilkerson race the Levi, Ray & Shoup Funny Car live on FOX TV this Sunday starting at 4 p.m.
TOYOTAL NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS RACING SCHEDULE
Friday, July 29, 2016: Nitro Qualifying – 4:45 & 8:00 p.m. (MT)
Saturday, July 30, 2016: Nitro Qualifying – 1:45 & 5:00 p.m. (MT)
Sunday, July 31, 2016: Nitro Eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m.
TV SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern)
Friday, July 29: Qualifying Coverage 7:30 p.m. (FS1)
Saturday, July 30: Qualifying Coverage 10:00 p.m. (FS1)
Sunday, July 31: Eliminations LIVE on FOX Network: 4:00 p.m.
Follow Tim Wilkerson Racing on Social Media:
Twitter: @TimWilkerson_FC
Facebook.com/timwilkersonracing
Instagram: @TimWilkersonRacing