Wilkerson stops for a moment to reminisce

Richmond, prerace: It's been a long time since Tim Wilkerson competed at Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP). And as the Springfield, Ill. Funny Car favorite prepares his beautiful Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Monte Carlo for this weekend's Inaugural Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals, he takes a moment to reminisce about his experiences at the Virginia facility.

The year was 1998 and Wilkerson was in the early stages of his celebrated Funny Car career. It was his first time at VMP as a pro, and even though Wilkerson is focused on the task on hand, he can't help but think back to that time long ago.

"The first time I was in Richmond was in 1998, and I went to the final-round," said Wilkerson. "Chuck Etchells beat us in the finals, or I should say we beat ourselves because we smoked the tires. Chuck smoked them too, but he was a master when it came to pedaling. It was tough to come out ahead against him in a smoke-fest. We were here again the next year and we didn't do too bad again. So, I glad were going back to Richmond, because maybe my good fortune is still there."

But it's been a lot of years ago and the Funny Cars have seen a lot of changes in technology and rules. Can Wilkerson use any of the past data and knowledge this weekend?

"The conditions are way too different now," explained Wilkerson. "We've got the 85% rule, a different tire, blah, blah, blah. We haven't been there for a while and who knows how the place will be. But that's okay because our car is coming around and Richmond will be a good place to get some more laps."