Qualifying is set for the 53rd annual Mac Tools U. S. Nationals and the talented tuner and driver of the Levi, Ray & Shoup Funny Car, Tim Wilkerson is sitting in the No. 15 position. But Wilkerson doesn’t mind facing race day from the No. 15 spot. In fact, he looks at it as a lucky omen. In 2003, Wilkerson climbed his way to the winner’s circle at this prestigious race, from the No. 15 position.
“15th again, what a way to go, ” exclaimed Wilkerson. “If our day is starting out the same way it did when we won, hopefully it will end that way too. “
Wilkerson made two more four-second runs today, a 4.988 and a 4.930, making his total four out of his five attempts. And with the strong competition in the Funny Car ranks, consistent performance is what wins races. But tomorrow’s forecasted hot weather may cause some problems for the tuners and the drivers.
Wilkerson’s first-round opponent will be the Ford Mustang driven by rookie, Ashley Force. And since it was Wilkerson’s run last night that bumped her father, John Force out of the show, Wilkerson may have the karma working in his favor.
“Our runs were pretty good today, ” said Wilkerson. “I would have liked to go a little bit faster but we tried some different (clutch) levers on our second run, hoping to get some handle on the hotter track. And the track was better than we gave it credit for. It will be an interesting first-round tomorrow for sure. I have no idea what to expect, but were happy were here and I hope with a little luck we can screw up another Ford’s day. And after that, we’ll just wait and see how it goes the rest of the day. We’ll just try our best, and perhaps we’ll get to go out there four times and the guys beside us each time will be slower at the starting line and the finish line. ”
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