Driving the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T, Jack Beckman came close to winning his second NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car event of the season today at the 27th annual NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. But a hiccup in the final round against Tony Pedregon resulted in a red-light loss.
Despite posting a quicker pass of 4.216 seconds at 293.28 mph to Pedregon’s 4.238/289.89, Beckman’s run was disqualified.
En route to his third final round of the season, the eighth of his career, Beckman posted three strong passes to defeat Gary Densham (with a 4.249/290.88), his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Ron Capps (4.216/292.52) and Funny Car points leader Tim Wilkerson (4.207/295.40).
The California native, who is in his second full season of Funny Car competition, moved up into No. 9 in the point standings, with two events remaining before the Countdown to 1 playoffs begin for the top 10 following the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Labor Day weekend.
“I changed my routine a little bit,” explained Beckman. “I went to take a little bump (stage deeper) because it was the final round and lane choice isn’t a big deal because there is no next round.
“My brain told my right foot to go and the light hadn’t come on yet. Absolutely 100 percent a driver’s mistake.
“The Valvoline/MTS Dodge guys gave us a car that could win this race today. We ran great all four rounds. It was a great weekend. Points-wise we couldn’t have asked for much more. It could have been an outstanding weekend if I’d been effective in the final.
“I’m really disappointed, but we’ve got a race in a week. I’m going to get over it, the Valvoline/MTS Dodge guys are over it already. Everybody is excited that our car is predictable and repeatable now.”
Next up is the 24th annual NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pa., Aug. 15-17.
FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS, after 16 of 24 races:
1. Tim Wilkerson, 1155
2. Tony Pedregon, 1013 (winner today)
3. Robert Hight, 969
4. Cruz Pedregon, 880
5. Ashley Force, 868
6. Gary Densham, 828
7. John Force, 817
8. Ron Capps, 808
9. Jack Beckman, 725 (runner-up today)
10. Mike Neff, 720
11. Bob Tasca III, 641
12. Del Worsham, 623
13. Gary Scelzi, 586
14. MelanieTroxel, 560
15. Jerry Toliver, 534
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