Summit NHRA Nationals Do Not Go Wilkerson’s Way (1 Viewer)

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NORWALK, OH (June 27, 2021) --- Tim Wilkerson took the Levi, Ray & Shoup Summit Racing Shelby Mustang into the first round at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Motorsports Park as the No. 7 qualifier. He was facing a serious first round race against veteran Cruz Pedregon but Wilkerson felt he had a tune-up that would get the job done. In a tough race Wilkerson was unable to advance to the quarterfinals and will begin preparing for the grueling Western Swing in two weeks.
Two days of qualifying saw Wilkerson make a strong run on Friday night after a lengthy rain delay and cooler temperatures. His quickest run of the weekend was the 3.959 second pass that positioned him solidly in the field as the No. 7 qualifier. On Saturday temperatures dramatically warmed up and Wilkerson and his Summit Racing team worked to get a handle on a warmer tune-up. Two consistent runs in the heat positioned Wilkerson for a long race day today.

The veteran driver from Springfield, Illinois, got the jump on the starting line with a .050 reaction time versus Pedregon’s .067 and as both cars took off down the track they were side by side as they approached half-track. The Mustang Funny Car smoked the tires and was forced to watch as Pedregon pulled away for the round win. Wilkerson considered getting back on the throttle but thought better of that idea, cruising across the finish line with a 4.788 second run against Pedregon’s strong 3.973 second pass.
“We just gave it too much motor for the clutch on that run,” said Wilkerson. “We have had a really good tune-up and I am working to just tweak it but the conditions called for a more aggressive approach. Every run you learn something and we will have more info the next time we are in this situation. This was a great event for Summit Racing Equipment and all the fans from all over Ohio. The Baders do a great job and we love racing here.”
The Levi, Ray & Shoup Summit Racing Funny Car will leave Norwalk solidly in the top ten with a couple weekends off to focus on the grueling three race swing across Denver, Sonoma and Pomona after the fourth of July weekend.

Qualifying Results
Q1: 3.959 sec, 325.53 mph; Qual. 7
Q2: 4.046 sec, 315.93 mph; Qual. 7
Q3: 4.031 sec, 315.05 mph; Qual. 7
Bonus Points: 0

Race Results: First Round
Driver Qual R/T ET MPH
Tim Wilkerson 7 .050 4.783 167.78
Cruz Pedregon 10 .067 3.973 326.48 (W)

Camping World Funny Car Top Ten
1. Bob Tasca III, 590
2. John Force, 537
3. J.R. Todd, 502
4. Robert Hight, 485
5. Ron Capps, 453
6. Matt Hagan, 434
7. Cruz Pedregon, 417
8. Alexis DeJoria, 399
9. Tim Wilkerson, 397
10. Terry Haddock, 252