Tim Wilkerson Wins CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Phoenix
Posted by: Nicole Erickson
Tim Wilkerson earned his 19th career victory and first in Phoenix at the 2016 CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in the Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang. This is Wilkerson’s first win since the Summit Racing NHRA Southern Nationals in May of 2015. It is also the earliest in the season Wilkerson has ever won a race.
“For my crew this was a spectacular day,” said Wilkerson. “I’m really fortunate to be here and we have a great car. If you told me a 3.99 would get me into the finals I wouldn’t have believed you. The track was trickier today than it was on Saturday, but I think that really helped us get through these rounds.”
Wilkerson qualified No.8 with a 3.966 E.T. at 317.19 mph and made it past Chad Head in the opening round. In the second round he took out event top qualifier Ron Capps in a nail-biting pedal-fest, with both drivers hazing the tires and battling to see who would recover first. Wilkerson then, went on to defeat Robert Hight in the semifinals after Hight hazed the tires.
Wilkerson took out longtime rival John Force in the finals with a run of 3.937 at 320.43. This was Wilkerson’s best elapsed time of the weekend.
“Racing John Force is an honor and privilege,” said Wilkerson. “John is a great guy. I wouldn’t be racing out here if it wasn’t for him. He constantly helps me. I just bought two Ford bodies from him over the winter. But it also feels really good when I beat him.”
Unlike most drivers in his class, Wilkerson is also the team owner and crew chief. Many people ask how he does it all. He gives credit to his wife Krista.
“My wife is my biggest advocate and supporter. She always says ‘Your first hunch is the best. Stop thinking you’re not doing the right thing because I know you are.’ That really helps me out.”
Wilkerson revealed during the post-race media center interview that this was probably the final run for this chassis. He is talking about retiring it after this race.
“I have a new car from Murph McKinney that he says is the most tricked out thing he has ever built,” said Wilkerson.
Another big reveal Wilkerson made: His son Daniel will drive the car that won today at the NHRA race in Charlotte later this season.
The next race in the NHRA Mello Yello Series is the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville on March 18th – 20th.