BECKMAN BAGS NO. 13 IN READING QUALIFYING

MOHNTON, Pa. (Aug. 16, 2008) - Jack Beckman placed the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car in the No. 13 spot in qualifying for the 24th annual NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway (outside of Reading, Pa.), but missed earning a berth in the U.S. Smokeless Showdown $100,000 bonus event held at the U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis. Beckman will not defend his 2007 Showdown title.

His quickest pass of the weekend of 4.179 seconds at 297.29 mph came on Friday evening, under cooler conditions, but it was not good enough to keep him in the top 12 (No. 14). That time was tossed and he was forced to re-qualify today in the final two sessions. His two attempts produced his quickest credited lap of 4.189/290.69, followed by a 4.236/280.08. His first try on Friday was a 4.187/28.52 (No. 6).

"It's very disappointing about the Showdown, but it was in our own hands," said Beckman, who did not make it into the top eight in the Showdown points, which are based on qualifying results in the last 23 events. "We started the year in the lead. Our problem has been that we're a top-five car when the sun's out, but we haven't been a top-10 car in the night sessions and it bit us this weekend.

"We can win if we qualify because the race is run during day time, but NHRA gives us that hero shot Friday night and we're still trying to figure out what the car wants.

"The good news is that, in the war, we're qualified again. We have a good chance to put some more points on the board tomorrow and stay in that top 10," added Beckman who entered this event No. 9 in the Funny Car standings. "I sure would like to close out the first part of the Countdown to the Championship season with a win, though." Only the top 10 in points will vie for the Funny Car championship in the last six events of the season following the U.S. Nationals.

Beckman faces points leader Tim Wilkerson in the opening round of eliminations on Sunday.