Wilkerson looks for some family fun at the U.S. Nationals

Indianapolis, prerace: As a former U.S. Nationals Funny Car champion, Tim Wilkerson holds the prestigious race in a special place in his life. Memories of winning the biggest race of the season are etched in his mind forever. And even before this year's 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park begins, it too is extraordinary for Wilkerson, and for two reasons.

First, his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Monte Carlo is running better than it has all year. And entering into a race with a strong hot rod makes a driver/tuner feel good.

"I know we're not winning races or doing anything spectacular," said Wilkerson, "but the car is running so much better than it has. It's doing what I'm telling it to do again, and that wasn't happening earlier in the year. Except for the two passes in Memphis when we had mechanical issues, every pass we've made since our changes, it's gone down the track and shown promise. Boy, what more can we ask for as a starting point. I knew it was going to take a little time for it to come around, and I think that's happening.

"I know we have our work cut out for us in Indy. It's such a spectacular place and there's going to be some record setting racing. But I'm feeling confident that we've got what it will take to be a player."

The second reason Wilkerson is looking forward to the biggest race of the year is because of his 18-year-old son, Dan. The rookie will be competing in the Wilkerson Family Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car, and has the distinction of being the youngest Alcohol Funny Car driver in the class.

"I'm looking forward to this weekend for Dan. I remember how exciting it is to compete at the U.S. Nationals for the very first time in your career. Plus he's going to be the youngest guy out there going up against the best in the class, talk about pressure. But he's becoming a really good driver and I know that he'll handle things just great."

Being the family man that he is, Wilkerson enjoys the times when his wife, Krista, and the kids are with him at the race track. So, the times that he and Dan are both racing mean even more to him. And this past weekend the family was making some special memories, as the two Funny Cars were fan favorites at a match race at Cordova Dragway Park in Cordova, Ill. Dan was runner-up in Alcohol Funny Car and the elder Wilk was the second quickest fuel coupe.

"Sure, I would liked to have been at the test session in Indy earlier in the week," explained Wilkerson, "but Dan and I had the match race to get ready for. And we had a great time. My daughter Rachel sold t-shirts and used parts, the fans were great and both cars ran well. It was a good time; we had a blast.

"Now we have just a few days to turn around and get both cars ready for my favorite race, the U.S. Nationals. And even though both Dan and I are going to face tough competition, I feel confident that we'll do well and I'm looking forward to having a blast for the second weekend in a row."